Luck of the Irish as sun comes out for celebration

Thousands of people lined the streets of Leeds city centre to enjoy the annual St Patrick’s Day parade.

Scores of supporters dressed in the green, orange and white of the Irish flag packed the steps up to Leeds City Museum to witness a colourful convoy of floats, pipe and brass bands, banners and tractors from Millennium Square.

Pupils from Leeds schools including St Patrick’s Catholic Primary and the Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Primary were among those starring in the parade alongside community and music groups as the weather stayed bright yesterday.

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Festive onlookers dressed in green Irish-themed Guinness hats, Irish rugby shirts and shamrock-patterned clothing were out in force for the annual celebration. The parade has been organised by the Leeds St Patrick’s Day Parade Committee every year since 1999.

Among the crowd was Headingley resident Annabel Smith, 79, who was visiting the parade for the first time with her daughter Katherine.

She said: “We’ve never been to watch the parade before and I’ve lived here for 50 years. I love the music and the fact that the children are enjoying themselves is nice to see.”

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