Tynwald Day details unveiled

Day marks anniversary of Island's oldest law

Some of the details of this year's Tynwald Day ceremony have been revealed.

Two visiting units from the RAF will be taking part in the Island's national day, on Wednesday, 5 July.

Manned exclusively by officers and airmen of the RAF Regiment, which this year celebrates its 75th anniversary, the Queen’s Colour Squadron will form the guard of honour.

Joining the squadron will be the Band of the Royal Air Force Regiment.

There's also an important anniversary to honour.

This year's Tynwald Day ceremony will mark the 600th anniversary of the Customary Law Act.

President of Tynwald Steve Rodan says The Customary Law of 1417 is the earliest Manx statute we have in writing.

"It is significant because it sets out in detail the Tynwald Day ceremony itself - the very pattern which we follow on Tynwald Hill in St John’s to this day."

It was Sir John Stanley, Lord of Man, who ordered the law to be set down.

His descendent, Edward Stanley, the 19th Earl of Derby, has been invited to attend this year's ceremony.