It will be time for some pomp and ceremony for Tynwald Members tomorrow (Wednesday), with the annual Tynwald Day ceremony at St John’s.

July 5 sees the open air sitting of the world’s oldest continuous parliament.

For many, this will be their first appearance on Tynwald Hill, following last year’s general election.

More than one of the male fraternity of MHKs has had an anxious expression these past few days, as they await delivery of their traditional attire for the day.

Depending on whether the hire company has delivered the right suit on time, it may not be a good moment to crack a joke about how difficult it must be to find top hats that fit the heads of politicians.

It is, of course, a largely ceremonial event, although not without political significance. Apart from an assertion of the Isle of Man’s level of political independence - even though the ceremony is presided over by a representative of the Lord of Mann, unless the Queen herself visits - it is an opportunity to see who is considered among the friends of the Manx.

The presence of Democratic Unionist Party MP Gavin Robinson on the list of official guests has already caused some consternation.

Many have taken to social media to criticise his inclusion, due to the DUP’s hard-line conservative views against abortion and same-sex marriage in Northern Ireland, something that has been focussed on since the DUP was called on to prop-up Theresa May’s UK Government.

It will be tempting to focus on Mr Robinson during the promulgation ceremony, when Acts of Tynwald approved in the past year are read out. We can expect a poker face when the Marriage and Civil Partnership (Amendment) Act gets a mention - it legalises same sex marriage.

There will be one glaring absence from the acts that are promulgated. For all the debate and discussion, the Equality Bill has yet to receive royal assent. A number of technical amendments were needed, which means it has not been possible to get it on the statute book in time for this year’s ceremony.

Aside from Mr Robinson, there are many other guests. Fianna Fail has two TDs on the guest list and those who are unsure about Mr Robinson’s invitation will no doubt be aware that FF is considered to be on the pro-life side of the side of the debate over Ireland’s tough laws on abortion - although its members would be allowed a free vote in the expected referendum on reform.

The Earl of Derby, Edward Stanley, will provide a reminder of the Isle of Man’s historical background.

Of particular local interest will be the presence of Dr Gareth Davies.

The Manxman is medical director of the London Air Ambulance service. Also, Dr Jane Roskams, born and raised in the Isle of Man and now professor of neuroscience at the University of British Columbia. She is a world leader in brain repair.

The formal part of proceedings gets under way soon after 10am. If you want to exercise your right to submit a petition for redress of grievance, which Tynwald may then choose to investigate, make sure you are at the lychgate by the Royal Chapel for 10.15am.

All grandstand ticket holders must be in their seats by 10.20am.

There will be a performance by the Band of the RAF Regiment and the formal arrival of Lieutenant Governor Sir Richard Gozney.

The service in the Royal Chapel begins at 11am, to be followed by the procession to Tynwald Hill and the open air ceremony, including the presentation of the petitions and the promulgation of the acts.

For many, the celebrations will continue throughout the day with TynwaldFest being a new focus of entertainment and the traditional Tynwald Fair.

As the Examiner went to press the Met Office predicted that the weather would be mostly dry at first on Tynwald Day, with just the slight risk of a little drizzle at first and, after a cloudy start, some sunshine will break through.

It says winds will be light and afternoon temperatures will reach a pleasantly warm 20 or 21 Celsius.