About The Festival
On Oie Voaldyn (May Day Eve)
We welcome the return of summer after the long dark winter months - join us as we follow the traditions of the past.
Midday and lasting well into the night
The Oie Voaldyn Manx May Fire Festival is a day of remembering and retelling old Manx and Norse customs.
Music, dancing and activities throughout the day, the main evening event begins at 9pm.
Roaring gorse fires
These will be lit on the hills to signal the start of the proceedings - look to the distance as the spectacular torchlight processions make their way to the shore.
As the antipodal seasons converge
See the Summer and Winter Queens, their champions, and their loyal supporters gather en masse by the seashore to make their demands. Cheer on your favourite champion as summer challenges winter for supremacy.
After a fiery exchange
The vanquished queen and her company will be welcomed to join the celebration of the victors.
As the end draws near
We take a moment or two of quiet reflection then as the livestock is cleansed in the smoke of the fires, blessings are given and hopefully the spirits are appeased for another year.
Now it's time for the Festivities to begin!
Joyful merriment ensues with music, fire dancers and spinners, accompanied by an amazing firework display.
Not to be missed
With dramatic and emotive music, dancing, drumming, singing and lots of fire, this magnificent Son et Lumiere plays out on the shore against the glorious and very special back drop of Peel Castle and Peel Hill.