Brits get the St Patrick’s Day celebrations started early as they paint the town green

BRITS have kicked off St Patrick’s Day celebrations early as revellers hit the town decked in green.

Students in Nottingham posed with friends, chatted over drinks and were seen bar-hopping as they marked St Paddy’s hours ahead of the official day.

It’s the first time in two years Brits have been out of lockdown and able to venture out for festivities.

Young men and women were seen wearing various outfits with a festive spin.

One group of girls were seen smiling for the camera as they posed wearing headbands with shamrocks.

Three of the women donned flower leis with the Irish flag colours of green, orange and white.

Despite the wet and cold weather some people were seen dressed in very little.

Lads were spotted in Playboy-esque bunny ears while two females were seen in daring leotards for the brisk temperatures.

The pair pulled off the ensemble with matching white socks and shoes with their long locks untouched by the passing showers.

One group of grinning gals covered their fancy dress hats with plastic bags in case they were caught out in the drizzle.

Groups of young men posed for pictures wearing green costumes, leprechaun hats and rugby jerseys.

One mischievous pair in speedos posed with the bottoms toward the camera as one gave a thumbs up.

The pair were wearing floral shirts with a sprinkle of green and different shades of blue.

Fans were spotted on day three of the Cheltenham festival in Cheltenham, England, giving a nod to St Patrick’s Day in various dress-up while celebrations took place across Ireland.

Massive crowds took to the streets of Dublin, after Covid-19 led to events being cancelled over the last two years.

Cities, towns and villages across the island are marking March 17 after the easing of coronavirus restrictions, with up to 400,000 people expected to attend the traditional parade in Dublin and many more watching it live on TV.

In March 2020, swathes of St Patrick’s Day plans were cancelled with the onset of the global pandemic, with parades axed in Dublin and Belfast.

This year, in Dublin, the parade began at Parnell Square and was making its way through O’Connell Street and around College Green, before winding its way through Lord Edward Street and ending in Kevin Street at around 2pm.

HOLLYWOOD IN DUBLIN

Hollywood actor John C Reilly was the international guest of honour at the Dublin parade.

The Irish/American star said it was a great opportunity to “spread joy” during a difficult time in the world.

Dressed in a green tweed suit from Dublin’s famed Louis Copeland & Sons store, Mr Reilly said he was excited to take part in the celebrations.

Anna McGowan, interim director at the St Patrick’s Festival, said it was emotional to see the return of the parade.

She said: “It’s been three calendar years since the last parade and there’s so many people whose lives are about putting on a show, and to be able to do that this year, and to welcome people back on to the streets of Dublin for our national days, it is so emotional and so important.

“I’m thrilled to be back.

“This parade will be bigger and brighter than ever before. We’ve been able to double the creative content in the parade.

“We’re also just thrilled to be able to welcome back our international marching bands to Dublin, so that’s going to be fantastic.”

In Belfast, the first parade since 2019 left City Hall at 1pm.

Organisers said the theme would be “We are all Patrick, we are all Belfast”.

The parade will travel along Donegall Place, into High Street, Bridge Street and Waring Street and finish in Donegall Street close to Writers’ Square.