After being postponed due to the coronavirus outbreak last year, the Isle of Man is hosting its inaugural Pride festival. The celebration will take place in the Villa Marina Gardens in Douglas and will honour the island’s LGBTQ+ diversity.

The ceremony will be preceded by a 50-strong march through Douglas’ downtown area, with participants carrying a 50-meter rainbow banner.

Also Read | German bishop says ‘why not?’ to blessing same-sex unions

Due to ongoing construction on Douglas Promenade, the march will be confined to invited guests only.

From 12:30 BST, the Long Walk to Pride will begin at Villiers Square and travel to the Villa Marina, where a variety of activities will take place throughout the afternoon.

Also Read | Pride Month: 5 podcasts trying to destigmatise LGBTQIA+ issues

When it comes to LGBTQ+ rights, the Isle of Man has a tumultuous past. Homosexual acts were decriminalised in the island nation only in 1992, 25 years after England and Wales, and 12 years after Scotland.

Also Read | The different Pride Flags and what they stand for

Howard Quayle, the island’s Chief Minister, made an “unqualified apology” to homosexual individuals convicted of same-sex crimes under old Manx legislation last year.