ST Patrick’s Day celebrations in Belfast started off on a healthy footing as thousands of runners dressed in green set off from city hall in the annual Craic 10k road race.
Finishing up in Ormeau Park to collect their race medals and rehydrate, it wasn’t long before student revellers nearby formed a lengthy queue outside the Hatfield Bar and several off licenses.
In the Holylands area, community wardens and police were on the ground to discourage any antisocial behavior as many young people looking forward to a day out opened a beer outside their front doors.
Towards the city centre, it was more of a family affair with St George’s Market building the excitement for the main parade with live music and dance courtesy of Ards Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann.
Outside Belfast City Hall, thousands waited patiently along the streets while catching a glimpse of the bright carnival floats and many performers making their final preparations for the big day. The sounds of bagpipes mingled with a quick blast of The Undertones classic Teenage Kicks while dancers limbered up for the crowds.
For family and friends draped in green, white and orange, there was still plenty of time to choreograph their perfect St Patrick’s Day selfie in front of city hall, while other onlookers jostled for the best position. A large horn sounded the start of the proceedings, with excited toddlers quickly securing the best view on top of their parents’ shoulders.
Soon to follow was a giant mechanical Irish wolf hound, stilt walkers dressed in purple, a red marching band, Irish dancers and many more.
Beat Carnival organised this year’s parade, with the theme of Voices of Belfast, which celebrates the city’s rich musical heritage with everything from pop to punk, traditional and disco. The parade also featured a strong international contingent, with those taking part holding signs to show they were representing countries including Japan, Australia, Brazil and Egypt.
While the dense crowds sometimes made it difficult to see all the performers, one benefit of modern life was there was no shortage of people providing an aerial video display by holding mobile phones above their heads.
The parade slowly made its way along Chichester Street, Victoria Street, High Street, Castle Place and Donegall Place before returning to city hall.
Within the crowd, street preachers with microphones appeared unphased by the carnival atmosphere and music as they continued on with their normal sermons at full volume. Police were also seen moving along the occasional person who appeared to have started their celebrations a little too early in the day.
Close to the parade, many families were also queueing up outside 2 Royal Avenue, Belfast's newest cultural venue, which featured a sound installation of stories as told by local residents, traditional Irish music and a St Patrick-themed Family Art Workshop.
