People in Dublin and London have been seen dressed in shamrock-shaped sunglasses, Irish jerseys and leprechaun hats to celebrate St Patrick’s Day.
In Ireland’s capital, a sea of green and orange crowds of half a million people took to Dublin’s streets to take part in the ‘largest ever’ festive parade, while boozy revellers enjoyed pints of Guinness.
Visitors travelled from as far away as Bolivia, California and China to catch a glimpse of the vibrant spectacle which commemorates Irelands patron saint.
Celebrations took place across the island of Ireland with massive crowds turning out to mark March 17 in towns and cities.
In England, more than 50,000 people also watched the annual procession in central London, which featured Irish marching bands, dance troupes and pageantry.
The annual Birmingham parade also returned for the first time in five years to celebrate Irish culture in the city for the 50th time.
More than 4,200 participants are expected to take part in the flagship parade in the capital, featuring 18 performances and pageants in Dublin
More than 50,000 people took part in the St Patrick’s Day celebrations in Trafalgar Square in central London
In Birmingham, large crowds welcomed back their city’s parade after a five-year absence
This year’s theme of the parade is Spréach, the Irish word for Spark, which is said to represent the unique essence of Ireland and its people
Attendees wearing shamrock-shaped sunglasses, Irish jerseys and leprechaun hats thronged the streets of the Irish capital ahead of the parade’s midday start
Performers take part in the St Patrick’s Day Parade in Birmingham
The parade included 14 marching bands from across Ireland, North America and France
A member of the crowd at the St Patrick’s Day Parade in central London
Crowds gather to watch performers take part in the St Patrick’s Day Parade in Birmingham
More than 4,200 participants took in the flagship parade in Dublin, featuring six large-scale pageants and 11 show pieces.
Among the participants are a group examining the theme and the circular economy, a showpiece called ‘Dublin Seagulls’, as well as 14 marching bands from across Ireland, North America and France.
The parade’s theme this year is ‘spreach’, or ‘spark’ in Irish, and started at midday on Parnell Square North, before moving to O’Connell Street and crossing the River Liffey.
It also featured a number of performances and events on a 3,000-capacity covered main stage.
New Late Late Show presenter Patrick Kielty, the grand marshal of the national parade in Dublin, described Ireland’s national day as ‘the biggest party in the world’.
Kielty said that as a man called Patrick, who is from Downpatrick in Co Down, and who attended St Patrick’s School, he was ‘the proudest man in Ireland’.
The TV presenter said that it was ‘a massive honour’ to be the grand marshal, adding it was ’emotional’ for him.
New Late Late Show presenter Patrick Kielty , the grand marshal of the national parade in Dublin, described Ireland’s national day as ‘the biggest party in the world’
Two spectators wait for the wait for the St Patrick’s Day Parade in Dublin
People wait for the parade that starts at midday on Parnell Square North down then moves to O’Connell Street and crosses the River Liffey.
The holiday commemorates Ireland’s patron saint and is popular around the world by Irish immigrants.
Derek(left), Eoin (centre in the green hoodie), Paula (centre), and Emma Donnelly (right), wait for the St Patrick’s Day Parade in Dublin
Revellers walk in St. Patrick’s Day parade
Norbert and Birgit Geisser from Germany at the St Patrick’s Day Parade in Dublin
The parade in Dublin was watched by almost half a million people
This year’s parade was said to be the ‘biggest ever’
The parade featured six large-scale pageants and 11 show pieces
He said: ‘I think St Patrick’s Day is so important to people because it gives us all a chance to share in something, it brings a lot of people together. I think sometimes here we maybe take it for granted.
‘As someone who has lived abroad and knows what that day means to so many people who are longing for a connection to their lives back home, that’s what it’s about.’
‘Especially when you come from the North, growing up, St Patrick’s grave was at the Church of Ireland, basically everything that used to happen through some type of binary prism.
‘The idea of we’re now in a position where we can actually share these things, I think that’s why today is so important.’
Asked will he be able to enjoy the day with so much pressure on him, he said: ‘let’s be very very clear, there’s definitely going to be a lot of fun squeezed out of this.
‘This is normally like my second birthday, so we will definitely be celebrating to the max.’
More than 40 walking groups were met by thousands of people on Bradford Street, Birmingham
Participants attend the St. Patrick’s Day parade in Dublin
3 year-old Irish Wolfhound Seamus, Irish Guards mascot, with his handler Drummer Ashley Dean march following the Irish Guards Parade
Children from Dromcondra wait for the St Patrick’s Day Parade in Dublin
Spectators enjoyed celebration through Central London before moving to Trafalgar Square
More than 50,000 people were in London for the parade which featured Irish marching bands, dance troupes and pageantry
Afternoon revellers celebrate St Patrick’s Day with a few drinks in Jesmond, Newcastle
In London, more than 50,000 people joined the annual procession, which formed at Hyde Park Corner, then make its way through Piccadilly, St James’s Street, Pall Mall, Cockspur Street and onto Whitehall.
The annual event, hosted by the Mayor of London, marked its 21st year by finishing in Trafalgar Square.
Programmed by London Irish Centre, and hosted by Xnthony, a sprawling line up of Irish talent performed throughout the event.
Spectators were wowed by Irish marching bands and dance troupes such as Maguire O’Shea Academy of Irish Dance and The London Celtic Youth Orchestra, all to celebrate Irish culture and heritage.
The annual event, hosted by the Mayor of London, marked its 21st year by finishing in Trafalgar Square
The London parade showcased all aspects of Irish culture and heritage
Costumed people attend St. Patrick’s Day parade celebrations in London
A marching band performs during St. Patrick’s Day parade celebrations in London
Costumed people attend St. Patrick’s Day parade celebrations in London
In Birmingham, large crowds welcomed back their city’s parade after a five-year absence.
At least 40 walking groups, 30 floats, marching bands and a dance group from Bolivia were seen on Bradford Street for the celebrations.
A rendition of Dirty Old Town was played as a special tribute to The Pogues singer Shane MacGowan, who passed away in November.
Parade organiser Maurice Malone, from Birmingham Irish Association, said: ‘I’m over the moon, absolutely delighted that it’s back.
‘It’s been away for too long and obviously with the pandemic things weren’t happening – but it’s back. It’s been a long journey to get to where it is.
‘It’s the first time the Birmingham Irish Association has taken the parade on so we are the new custodians.’