Huge turnout for sun-drenched parade

OVER half a million people turned out to enjoy this year’s St Patrick’s Festival Parade in excellent weather conditions earlier today.

The streets of Dublin were awash with colour as the 2016 Parade, themed ‘Imagine If…’ was brought with artistic flair and creativity. 

Close to 3,000 performers participated in the Parade with Joanne O’Riordan holding the honorary position of Grand Marshal.

VIDEO: Grand Marshall Joanne O’Riordan at the start of Dublin #StPatricksDay parade! More on @IrelandLive at 5.30pm pic.twitter.com/0vkDXLlF25

— Denis Mahon (@denmahon) March 17, 2016

The Parade kicked off the four day Festival of events and street theatre which will take place around Dublin over the next few days.

During the parade spectators enjoyed thought provoking and awe-inspiring creative presentations from Irish artistic groups including Spraoi, Artastic, Inishowen Carnival Group, City Fusion, Dowtcha, Buí Bolg, DIT and Brighter Futures. 

Spraoi was pretty spectacular

?? #StPatricksFest pic.twitter.com/1J8mhQYGJ6

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— Debbie O’Donnell (@debbie_odonnell) March 17, 2016

Bands from the USA, the UK, Brittany and Ireland provided and energetic musical score for the Parade as it travelled past some of the most famous and historic landmarks of our capital city

Giant marching band @MizzouNews Missouri Uni among those stealing the show @stpatricksfest #StPatricksDay Dublin. pic.twitter.com/loWdlhajNf

— Ray Kennedy (@RayKennedyHack) March 17, 2016

Ten US marching bands were welcomed from nine different States and brought their individual flavour and style to the Festival Parade. The Spirit of the Parade Award went to Clondalkin Youth Band.

Spectacular St. Patrick’s Parade in Dublin today with lovely sunshine! @stpatricksfest @DublinCity pic.twitter.com/HePdwYYf7S

— Berenika Dambrova (@Nikki26351) March 17, 2016