That's what we're Tolkien about! Sir Ian McKellen, 76, puts on a dapper display in printed scarf and smart suit at Attitude Awards

He's been a passionate advocate for gay rights ever since he publicly came out in 1988.

So Sir Ian McKellen was naturally the guest of honour at the Attitude Magazine Awards in London on Wednesday night, putting on a fabulous sartorial display in a brightly coloured scarf.

The 76-year-old Lord Of The Rings actor looked thrilled to be in attendance at the Banqueting House bash, where he was on hand to present an award.

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Stylish as ever: Sir Ian McKellan was dressed to impress at the Attitude magazine awards, held at the Banqueting House in London on Wednesday night 

Stylish as ever: Sir Ian McKellan was dressed to impress at the Attitude magazine awards, held at the Banqueting House in London on Wednesday night 

Ian was impeccably dressed as ever, showing off his natural flair for style by adding a tie dye purple and grey scarf to jazz up his suit.

The X-Men star completed his flamboyant look with a pair of grey brogues with patent black tips.

He joined forces with several other high-profile personalities at the event, including Coronation Street's Antony Cotton and Keegan Hirst, the first professional rugby player to openly declare his homosexuality.

United front: Ian chatted to rugby player Keegan Hirst and Coronation Street's Antony Cotton at the event 

United front: Ian chatted to rugby player Keegan Hirst and Coronation Street's Antony Cotton at the event 

Winners on the night included One Direction's Liam Payne, who was named Sexiest Man of the Year, while late fashion designer Alexander McQueen won the Legend award.

The Great Moment prize was awarded to the landmark occasion in May when Ireland became the first country in the world to legalise gay marriage by popular vote. 

Other winners were Newsnight host Evan Davis, named Man of the Year, television host Lorraine Kelly, who was named Honorary Gay, and SNP MP Mhairi Black was was named Politician of the Year.

Snazzy scarf: The lovable thespian certainly put on a strong sartorial display thanks to his tie dye, purple and grey accessory

Snazzy scarf: The lovable thespian certainly put on a strong sartorial display thanks to his tie dye, purple and grey accessory

Liverpudlian April Ashley, one of Britain's first transsexual women to have gender reassignment surgery, shared the Icon Award for Outstanding Achievement with Yoko Ono and Holly Johnson.

The magazine is celebrating the awards with eight special covers featuring winners, and exclusive interviews.

Ian has previously confessed his biggest regret in life is not coming out earlier, instead waiting until he was 49 for fear it would harm his career.

Out and proud: Ian has been a passionate advocate for gay rights ever since he publicly came out in 1988, aged 49

Out and proud: Ian has been a passionate advocate for gay rights ever since he publicly came out in 1988, aged 49

The thespian told the Huffington Post: 'I regret and always shall that I didn't see the significance of coming out at a much earlier date because I think I would have been a different person and a happier one.'

The award-winning actor went public amid the controversy over the Section 28 legislation which prevented local authorities from promoting homosexuality, and hasn't looked back since.

'Self-confidence is the most important thing that anybody can have. You don't have that if part of you is ashamed or hiding something', he explained.

'I can reassure people who don't feel they're able to, the world will like you better because people like honesty and authenticity.'

Big winners: One Direction's Liam Payne was named Sexiest Man of the Year, while late fashion designer Alexander McQueen won the Legend award

Big winners: One Direction's Liam Payne was named Sexiest Man of the Year, while late fashion designer Alexander McQueen won the Legend award

ATTITUDE AWARDS 2015 WINNERS 

Man of the Year supported by Virgin Holidays: Evan Davis

Music Award / International Album supported by Los Angeles Tourism and Convention Board: Adam Lambert

Album of the Year: Years and Years

Actor of the Year supported by Marriott: Cyril Nri

TV Personality of the Year: Antony Cotton

Icon Award for Outstanding Achievement supported by Sky: Yoko Ono, Holly Johnson and April Ashley

Sexiest Man of the Year supported by Popchips: Liam Payne

TV Moment of the Year: James Hill and Austin Armacost

Style Hero supported by Renault UK: Vivienne Westwood

Most Stylish Man: Oliver Cheshire

Media Recognition Award: The X Factor

Greatest Moment of the Year: Ireland's YES voters

Honourary Gay: Lorraine Kelly

Young LGBT Entrepreneur supported by Virgin Holidays: Pierre and Adrien Gaubert

Active Award supported by USN: England Women's National Football Team

Politician of the Year: Mhairi Black

Ally Award: Reggie Yates

Breakthrough Performance: Rebecca Root

Community Award: 56 Dean Street

Legend Award: Alexander McQueen

Editor’s Special Award supported by Aussiebum: Keegan Hirst

Music Breakthrough: Jess Glynne

Book of the Year: Alan Cumming

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