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People on the Isle of Man have been asked to document the level of participation in Hop-tu-Naa activities their towns and villages this year.

Culture Vannin has launched a survey to gather information on the celebrations surrounding the traditional event on 31 October.

Questions cover aspects including how many people go out door knocking, sing songs, or carry turnip lanterns.

James Franklin said that Hop-tu-Naa has “never been measured in a systematic or quantifiable way before", which was something the organisation wanted "to put right this year”.

Many traditions surrounding the day are distinctive to the island, such as the carving of turnips instead of pumpkins, and regional folk songs – including the Hop-tu-Naa song, which is thought to give its name to the tradition itself.

'Simple as possible'

As part of the survey, members of the public will be provided with anonymous forms to record the data, such as how many people knock on their door, and the songs that are sung.

The organisation describes the activities as “always a changing and developing tradition”, with practices varying not only over time but also across different areas of the island.

Mr Franklin said: “If a survey like this was available from 10 or 20 years ago, it would be fascinating to measure against it today.

“So, we are starting it this year, so that people in the future can measure the traditions against it."

It had been made "as simple as possible" so encourage "many people will lend a hand recording it as best we are able”.