Brent celebrates St Patrick's Day
The streets of Willesden were awash with green, as Brent pulled out all the stops for the annual Brent St Patrick's Day.
In the glorious sunshine, a record breaking 6,000 revellers celebrated on the real St Patrick's Day in England's most Irish borough.
Revellers were treated to a glittering parade led by the Mayor of Brent, Councillor Jim O'Sullivan complete with pipers, floats, dancers and circus performers. All 32 counties were represented by festival goers carrying flags, with the Mayor of Brent flying the flag for his birthplace, Cork.
At Willesden Green Library Centre there were two stages of Irish entertainment including folk music from the Mullin Family, comedian Deidre O' Kane and the impressive Aaron Crosbie Academy of Irish Dancing. Topping the bill were band Irish Mist who performed their hits to an adoring crowd.
The Mayor of Brent Councillor Jim O' Sullivan said: "The atmosphere is tremendous. If you look around you'll see people of all ages, faiths and backgrounds proudly sporting the colours of the Irish flag green, white and gold.
"Like all events in Brent - England's most diverse borough - our St Patrick's Day is a chance for all our community, both Irish and non Irish to come together and celebrate"
The winners of the St Patrick's Day Art Competition were announced by the Mayor on the day. Organised by Brent Youth Volunteers the competition was based on the famous Irish legend of Finn Mc Cool.
First prize of £50 went to:
- 4-8 Years Alana Barry St Robert Southwell School
- 9-13 Years Nikita Patel Alperton School
- 14-16 Years Tonie-Marie Dyer-Miller Alperton School