Tynwald Day 2003

It was a royal visit from the Lord of Mann as Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II came to the Isle of Man to preside over the Tynwald Ceremony. She arrived by car with the Duke of Edinburgh to a clapping and flag waving crowd of thousands. She then went on to inspect the Guard of Honour before laying a wreath at the foot of the War Memorial. The group which included the Lieutenant Governor Ian Macfadyen proceeded to the church, where a short service was conducted with the members of Tynwald and honoured guests.

The public outside watched the service from a large screen and even sang along to the many well known hymns. After the service, there was a long procession to Tynwald Hill. The Queen and Duke took their places at the top in red velvet chairs. After everyone was seated, guests, Deemsters, Captains of the Parishes, the representatives of the free churches, members of the House of Keys and members of the Legislative Council the new laws enacted during the past year were proclaimed. People with grievances handed their petitions for redress to the Clerk of Tynwald. The procession then returns to the church, where a sitting of Tynwald is held before the court is adjourned. This ancient ceremony has been conducted in a similar form for over a thousand years.

A fair is held next to Tynwald Hill and always attracts large crowds. There are local dance and music displays throughout the day near the hill and in the Tynwald National Park. This year a special Cow Parade was on display consisting of life size fibreglass Bovines painted by local school children.

The Queen returned to St John's later in the day to attend the Isle of Man Education's "Manx Celebrations" done by local school children.