Despite the beaming sunshine and colourful dresses, the 2015 Speech from the Throne played out in front of a somewhat subdued atmosphere.

Spectators packed into the gazebo on the Cabinet lawn to watch the Island’s politicians gather for what is likely to be the last Throne Speech delivered by Governor George Fergusson, so we learnt.

The Royal Bermuda Regiment Band went some way to cheering up the mood but excitement and anticipation in the crowd was in relatively short supply.

Neither the announcement of absentee voting or new protections for people with mental disabilities granted a single clap.

Perhaps the fanfare of the America’s Cup has tired us all out. Or perhaps there just weren’t that many surprises?

Same-sex marriage may have been left out of the Speech, but shadow health minister Kim Wilson brought something to the pink debate with a bright fuchsia dress.

There was certainly no shortage of bold fashion statements: alluring reds from One Bermuda Alliance MPs Leah Scott and Nandi Outerbridge, striking black and yellow for health minister Jeanne Atherden, royal blue for the OBA’s Susan Jackson, pearly pink for shadow education minister Lovitta Foggo, southern belle navy for OBA MP Suzann Roberts-Holshouser and a smart purple/blue number for community minister Patricia Gordon-Pamplin. It was truly a rainbow of colour.

The most eye-catching attire was that of Ms Scott, who wore a vampish combination of leopard skin print and pillar box red topped off with two red feathers standing high on her head.

Ms Outerbridge carried an air of the lounge singer with her black and red fitted dress emblazoned with lace print and finished off with a jewelled bonnet.

The men looked rather uniform this year — the straight business suit look was about as exciting as it got — but kudos to Progressive Labour Party MP Jamahl Simmons and OBA MP Mark Pettingill, who sported vested suits to bring a rather distinguished air to the House.

Michael Dunkley, the Premier, and Marc Bean, the Leader of the Opposition, both came dressed in blue ties rather than the respective red and green — a sign of political unification, perhaps, for the year ahead. We can place our bets on that once the gaming regulations are passed.

It was a positive and emotive note that brought the day to an end, as the Royal Bermuda Regiment, celebrating its 50th anniversary, marched through Hamilton for its Freedom of the City ceremony.