Open invite to join Orkney’s Norwegian Constitution Day celebrations

Saturday 17 May 2025 is a special day in the Orkney and Norway calendar, with the annual marking of Norwegian Constitution Day. 

As the event falls during the weekend, it is hoped that folk will accept this open invite to get involved in the celebration. 

Orkney Islands Council and the Orkney-Norway Friendship Association work together to put on a number of events, including a “Tog” (parade) from Kirkwall Harbour to St Magnus Cathedral, which walks through Bridge Street and Albert Street. 

In previous years, local schools have taken part in this parade, and this is something the Council would very much wish to see continue despite this year’s event falling on a Saturday. 

So, we extend the invitation to schoolchildren, as long as they are accompanied by an adult, to take part in this celebration of Orkney’s Norse identity. 

We would ask children and accompanying adults wishing to be part of the parade to meet outside the Orkney Ferries main office in Kirkwall at 11.50am ready for the parade to begin at 12 noon. The parade will be led by the Kirkwall City Pipe Band. 

We would encourage children joining the parade to bring their own homemade Orkney or Norway flags however there will be handheld flags being handed out too. 

Once the parade reaches the cathedral courtyard there will be speeches and the singing of the Norwegian National Anthem before a concert in the cathedral featuring pupils from Stromness Academy – free entry and the public is welcome to attend and enjoy. 

Any parents or guardians with questions can email democratic.services@orkney.gov.uk 

The anniversary commemorates the signing of Norway’s first constitution in 1814 marking its independence from Denmark.  

Our islands were part of the Norwegian Kingdom and so 17 May is an opportunity to celebrate that shared history and Norse influence which has helped to make the Orkney we know today.