UK celebrates St. Patrick's Day with large festivities

Thousands of people celebrated St Patrick's Day across the UK on March 17. Dressed in green outfits, shamrocks, and leprechaun hats, revelers poured into the streets to mark the occasion. The day honors Ireland's patron saint and is known for its festive atmosphere. In London, over 50,000 spectators attended the annual parade featuring marching bands and traditional Irish dances. University students in cities like Nottingham and Leeds joined in the celebrations, forming long lines outside bars and clubs. This year, Guinness sales surged, with Britons expected to drink around 100 million pints. Pubs across the country sold five times more Guinness than usual. Some bars faced shortages due to high demand, prompting one pub owner in Southampton to hope their extra kegs would be enough. In addition to celebrations in the UK, Dublin's St Patrick's Day parade attracted more than 500,000 spectators. The event showcased colorful costumes, dancers, and floats, celebrating Irish culture. Attendance and public transport were encouraged as roads were closed to accommodate the festivities. Overall, St Patrick's Day remains a vibrant celebration of Irish heritage, drawing crowds eager for fun and camaraderie.