RESIDENTS and visitors gathered at St John's today to witness the annual ceremony on Tynwald Hill.

Onlookers watched as 10 acts were promulgated and members of the public with an issue to raise handed in their petitions for the redress of grievance.

The guests for the ceremony included Richard Bowers Jr who is the President of the Seminole Tribe of Florida. He started wrestling alligators as a young boy and alligator wrestling eventually provided Richard with a means to provide for his family.

He has served as a firefighter in Broward County, Fort Lauderdale, Florida and during September 2007 he made history by participating in the ringing of the opening bell at the New York Mercantile Exchange. He was one of six highly respected Native Americans to be invited to participate in this ceremony.

Richard also serves on the Hard Rock Cafe International Board. And in addition to being involved in inter-tribal agricultural issues, gaming and raising cattle, he spearheaded the launch of a Native American consortium that partners native suppliers with native-owned industry leaders.

Another guest was Andrew Mackinlay who served as the Member of Parliament for Thurrock from 1992 to earlier this year.

He argued in Parliament for the reinstatement of the reciprocal health agreement between the UK and the Isle of Man.

At the Tynwald sitting inside the Royal Chapel of St John immediately following the ceremony on the hill, Dr Brian Stowell was awarded the prestigious Tynwald Honour.

There was plenty of fun to be had at Tynwald fair with numerous organisations running stalls and the fair attracted big crowds.

Hot, dry weather made the perfect climate to celebrate the Isle of Man's National Day.

All photos by John Gregory