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In pictures: Tynwald Day 2026 delights crowds

Catherine NicollIsle of Man
News imageBBC A member of the Band of the Princess of Wales's Royal Regiment following the sheet music of the of the Manx National Anthem. He is wearing an embellished red jacket and a black and red peaked cap.BBC
The fanfare was provided by the Band of the Princess of Wales's Royal Regiment

Hundreds of people have gathered in in the centre of the Isle of Man to witness the pageantry and traditions of the open-air sitting of Tynwald.

The annual gathering in St John's brings together politicians, the judiciary and clergy, dignitaries and invited guests.

The ceremony, which has its roots in the Isle of Man's Viking links, dates back more than 1,000 years.

The ancient process revolves around the Promulgation of the Acts, where the island's newest laws are read in English and Manx from Tynwald Hill.

News imageMembers of the band who are dressed on green tartan tunics and kilts with white boots and glengarry caps.
The Lowland and Highland Bands of the Royal Regiment of Scotland provided the music during the ceremony

The proceedings also include the opportunity for people to hand over petitions for redress of grievance.

Although the island's national day is traditionally marked on 5 July, the Tynwald ceremony itself is moved to Monday if the date falls at the weekend.

News imageMembers of the band looking ahead during the ceremony while flags fly in the background.
Members of the band wear distinctive glengarry caps
News imageClose-up of a member of the band, who is in the green uniform.
News imageThe lieutenant governor saluting. He is in a black and gold tunic and traditional feathered bicorn hat. Standard bearers line up behind.
The ceremony on Tynwald Hill was presided over by Lieutenant Governor Sir John Lorimer
News imageThe governor, if full ceremonial dress, inspects two rows of the Grenadier Guards, who are wearing red tunics, black trousers and black bearskin caps.
At the start of the proceedings in St John's the lieutenant governor was invited to inspect the guard of honour
News imageThe choir, dressed in red and white robes, leaving the chapel while the trumpeters look on.
A church service took place in the Royal Chapel of St John before the procession to the hill
News imageThe bishop who is wearing red and white robes and it carrying a crozier.
Members of the clergy taking part in the proceedings included Bishop Tricia Hillas
News imageFoster in his police uniform saluting while standard bearers line the walkway behind.
Chief Constable Russ Foster was among those taking part in the ceremony
News imageTynwald Hill, which has a white canopy over the the top rungs. People are seat on each of the tiers and around the bottom.
The ceremony sees those taking part seated on Tynwald Hill
News imageA petitioner wearing a grey suit hands over a document to the clerk, who is wearing a black ceremonial gown and wig.
Petitions were handed over to the Clerk of Tynwald Jonathan King
News imageA crowd of people behind a rope barrier watch on with a big screen in the background.
Spectators of all ages gathered on the fairfield to watch the ancient ceremony unfold
News imageThe guard of honour lining the ceremonial walkway with the chapel in the distance.
The Kings Company 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards provided the guard of honour for the ceremony
News imageTwo of the guards face to face.
News imageThe guard of honour and the band lining the ceremonial walkway.
Each year a guard of honour and military band take part in the official proceedings
News imageSkelly, who is wearing the president's ceremonial robes, which are blue with elaborate white and silver embroidery, and white wig.
It marked current President of Tynwald Laurence Skelly's final time taking part in the ceremony
News imageCunningham, who is wearing the black and white IOM Coastguard uniform and peaked cap, carrying the sword, which has a wooden handle.
The Sword of State was carried by sword bearer Andrew Cunningham
News imageTwo representatives walk down the ceremonial walkway while standard bearers line the walkway behind.
Representatives of several faiths were part of the ceremony in St John's
News imageProtesters with placards among those watching the ceremony.
Some of the people attending the ceremony were part of a protest against plans for an off-shore wind farm

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