Members of the Royal Navy are to take part in the island’s national day celebrations.

A range of entertainment and festivities will be open to the public on Tynwald Day, which celebrates the Isle of Man’s distinctive heritage and parliamentary institutions on Thursday (July 5).

This year the Band of Her Majesty’s Royal Marines Portsmouth will be performing during the open-air ceremony at St John’s and the Guard of Honour will comprise of personnel drawn from the Royal Navy State Ceremonial Training Section.

The day provides Manx people with a chance to present a petition for redress of grievance to politicians in the public spotlight.

For some it will be their first appearance on Tynwald Hill, including MLCs Kerry Sharpe and Tanya August-Hanson, Kate Lord-Brennan and Marlene Hendy.

The team behind Year of Our Island has also announced that July has been designated as ’Culture Month’ and is encouraging the public to explore more, do more and share more by coming to watch the ceremony.

The processions will be streamed live at tynwald.org.im.

To follow events as they happen click on the ’Watch Live’ link. Grandstand tickets are priced at £4 and include a programme and can be bought at the Tynwald Library, Legislative Buildings, Finch Road, Douglas, or can be reserved by telephoning 685500.

Blue Badge holders who wish to attend can apply to the Tynwald Administration Office for a parking pass entitling them to a reserved space at St John’s Primary School.

lIf you’re planning to present a petition, let us know first to get maximum publicity and to help us to provide comprehensive coverage.

Email [email protected] (don’t forget your phone number) or ring our newsdesk on 695697.

The best way to get your message out is in our papers and on our website.