Tynwald Day 2021: Celebrations mark Isle of Man's national day

It was Princess Anne's first time at the Tynwald ceremony since 2008

Large crowds have gathered in the west of the Isle of Man to celebrate Tynwald Day, which included the annual open-air sitting of the parliament.

The occasion saw the return of a full programme of events in St John's after celebrations were scaled back in 2020 due to Covid-19 restrictions.

The Princess Royal presided over the ceremony's official proceedings.

This year also marked the 30th anniversary of a high-profile protest over gay rights on the island.

The proceedings included an RAF flypast

The Princess Royal inspected the Guard of Honour after arriving

The ancient outdoor ceremony saw politicians, dignitaries, the judiciary and the clergy assemble on Tynwald Hill.

Proceedings included the chance for protesters to present petitions to the Lieutenant Governor.

Alan Shea, who campaigned for the decriminalisation of homosexuality, was one of the official guests at this year's ceremony.

The protest clothing worn by Mr Shea while handing over a petition in 1991, which symbolised a concentration camp uniform, was on display the Culture Vannin building in St John's to mark the anniversary.

Alan Shea handed over his petition at Tynwald Hill in 1991

Twenty new laws were also read at the sitting, in both English and Manx, in a part of the ceremony known as the promulgation of the acts.

If a new law is not promulgated within 18 months of being given Royal Assent, it falls from the statute book.

Clare Barber MHK said the open-air sitting was a chance to "celebrate all things that are Manx" and the "opportunity for the people of the Isle of Man to see the process of Tynwald".

Claire Christian MHK said it was "really humbling" to take part for the first time

Chief Minister Howard Quayle took part in the Tynwald ceremony for the final time

This year's ceremony was the last for three key figures in the island - Lieutenant Governor Sir Richard Gozney, President of Tynwald Steve Rodan and Chief Minister Howard Quayle - who are all leaving their roles.

Mr Quayle said while he was looking forward to being "able to spend a bit of quality time with the family" following his retirement in September, Tynwald Day was always "a special day".

Clare Barber said it was an important day for the Manx community

David Ashford said it was a day for the Manx community to celebrate

Health Minister David Ashford said it was the chance to "celebrate all that's good with our community".

"The last 15 months have seen our community really pull together to tackle and existential threat, and they've done that," he said.

"The people of the Isle of Man have managed to get us to where we are today, and they deserve to to be able to celebrate their national day."