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St. Pat’s revellers party on across Britain Keen to
be green took on a whole new meaning during the St. Patrick’s weekend
as thousands of people turned out in their 40 shades to take part in Irish
celebrations in towns and cities across the country.
It’s estimated that more than 65,000 people watched this year’s
Birmingham St. Patrick’s Parade — despite some of the worst
weather ever experienced since the event began.
Two hours before the midday start of the parade, an icy cold wind blew
rain along the empty streets of Digbeth — the main route of the
celebrations.
Leading this year’s event were seven girls who had represented Birmingham
in the Rose of Tralee competition.
Bob Brolly from BBC Radio WM broadcast live for more than two hours to
be followed by Carl Chinn who devoted another two hours prime time braodcast
of the event.
BBC Midlands Today and Central ITV News also extended their coverage.
Local marching bands led by the Birmingham Irish Pipes and Drums, bands
from Ireland and the first time appearance of the Irish Guards Band added
to the attractions.
All the major Irish dance schools and GAA clubs in Birmingham were represented
and Sandwell Irish Society and St. Mary’s GAA Club in Wolverhampton
worked hard to bring along two of the many excellent floats.
Best float competition winners were St. Mary’s GAA Club in Wolverhampton,
best banner went to the Birmingham Wexford association and best band section
went to Combined Nauticals from Portsmouth.
And in London, crowds estimated at up to 100,000 braved rain and wind
to head into central London for the capital’s annual St. Patrick’s
Day celebrations.
Mayor of London Ken Livingstone praised this year’s celebrations
as being another great success.
He said: “London has one of the largest Irish communities in the
world and, as well as celebrating their contribution to London’s
success, today’s event has been one of the liveliest we’ve
seen yet.
“London’s St. Patrick’s Day festivities are set to rival
New York as an event where all Londoners can enjoy the best of Irish food,
dancing and music.”
The Mayor took part in the parade — which included floats, pageantry
troupes and the 32 Irish counties each represented with a giant county
flag — along with Minister for the Environment, Heritage & Local
Government John Gormley, Minister for Local Government Ireland Tommy Gallagher
and Dermot Sherlock from the Olympic Council of Ireland and Irish Counties
Association.
The festival, which was sponsored by Tourism Ireland, featured Róisín
Murphy, Meteor award winners Aslan and a special performance by guitar
legend Joe Brown. Crowds also flocked to the Bord Bia Irish Speciality
Food Market in Covent Garden and a giant céilí in Leicester
Square.
Luton didn’t disappoint this year as crowds took to the streets
to celebrate Ireland’s patron saint — with no shortage of
shamrock and green, white and gold on display.
As well as the usual series of floats, troupes and bands taking part,
this year saw the town’s Polish community involved in the parade
for the first time, with The Forum Emerald Pipe Band adding a touch of
class to proceedings, which culminated in top class music and dance in
St. George’s Square.
Meanwhile in Derby organisers pulled off a St. Patrick’s Day cracker
with its ever-popular procession and annual mass.
Festivities kicked off on the Friday with the St. Patrick’s Day
Ball at Pride Park football Stadium.
The parade, which took place on Monday was led by Trinity School headmaster
Michael McKeever from Co. Armagh, who was joined by a host of bands, musicians
and Irish dancers.
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