UK

People have thronged the streets of cities across Ireland and the UK to celebrate St Patrick’s Day.

In Dublin, tens of thousands of people, many decked out in shamrock glasses, Irish flags and leprechaun hats, lined the streets for the capital’s parade.

More than 4,200 people took part in the procession, featuring 18 performances and pageants including traditional dancers from Bolivia, Ukraine, Georgia and Brazil.

Image:
Performers take part in the St Patrick’s Day parade in Dublin. Pic: PA

Image:
Pic: PA

In Belfast, thousands of people gathered to watch as a colourful and noisy parade made its way through the city centre.

Dancers, drummers, giant characters in costume and brightly coloured props delighted the crowds along the route.

Image:
Performers delight crowds in Belfast. Pic: PA

The Irish Guards gave three cheers for their absent colonel, the Princess of Wales, at a St Patrick’s Day parade at Mons Barracks in Hampshire.

Kate, who has been colonel of the regiment for a year after officially taking over from her husband, has not yet returned to public duties as she recovers from abdominal surgery, but the couple have attended several past parades together.

More on Ireland

Image:
Irish Guardsmen give three cheers for their absent colonel, the Princess of Wales. Pic: PA

Image:
Irish Guards mascot, Irish wolfhound Seamus, is given a treat. Pic: PA

250 Irish Guardsmen removed their bearskin headdresses before giving three cheers of “hip hip hooray”.

They were accompanied by their mascot, a three-year-old Irish wolfhound named Turlough Mor, also known as Seamus.

Image:
Crowds in Birmingham were decked out in their greenery with novelty hats and glasses. Pic: PA

Image:
Pic: PA

In Birmingham, large crowds gathered for the first St Patrick’s Day parade in five years – the 50th time the city has hosted the celebration.

Image:
London’s Trafalgar Square was thronged with people in colours of the Irish flag. Pic: PA

In London, more than 50,000 people were expected to join the annual procession of Irish marching bands, dance troupes and pageantry through the capital, ending with live performances at Trafalgar Square.

Articles You May Like

Microsoft announces new AI tools to help ease workload for doctors and nurses
Soldier accused of prison escape delivered package to Iranian agents, court hears
Home secretary enjoyed free tickets to Taylor Swift gig after pushing for star to get police escort
Police officer who shot Chris Kaba dead tells court why he pulled the trigger
Court hears Chris Kaba’s last words to friend before police officer shot him