London goes green for Patrick’s Day

The streets of London were awash with green today as thousands of people gathered to celebrate St Patrick’s Day early.

Irish Elvis impersonators and children dressed as shamrocks were among those taking part in London’s fifth annual parade and festival.

The Hothouse Flowers and award-winning singer-songwriter Gemma Hayes also performed sets in Trafalgar Square, where the procession gathered after setting off from Hyde Park Corner.

Mayor Ken Livingstone, whose office helped organise the family event, and Sinn Féin deputy leader Martin McGuinness were on hand to enjoy the colourful display and traditional Irish fare on offer.

Mr Livingstone said: “We are marking the enormous contribution that generations of Irish people have made and continue to make to the social, economic, and cultural life of our city.”

UK Prime Minister Tony Blair also sent his best wishes to the crowd.

He said: “This wonderful event has now become a fixture in the city’s calendar, reflecting the enormous contribution of the Irish in London over the centuries, as well as their current and continuing achievements.”