They may have had to wait an hour, but when this year's Grand Marshall Samantha Mumba finally arrived on Dame Street, the reception from the crowd at Dublin's St Patrick's Day parade was no less boisterous.
The spirits of the 150,000 strong crowd were kept buoyant prior to Mumba's arrival by a host of street entertainers.
They included some very wicked Guardian Angels, a female leprechaun who insisted on kissing all and sundry and a couple of St Patricks who were anything but saintly.
Free crisps, drinks, footballs and smoothies were thrown to the crowd and that - allied to the blue skies - ensured the festive atmosphere.
Just before the main parade, a smaller parade of vintage cars and classic motorbikes entertained the crowd with their revving engines and sparkling chrome.
There was even a converted ice cream van - turned into a smoothie van for the day - which showed off a few dance moves. More boogie than ceili, although no one seemed to mind.
When Mumba did arrive she was welcomed by the thousands of children lining the streets. Many appeared to be fans as she was treated to renditions of some of her hits.
Dracula made his annual appearance behind the 19-year-old Mumba and managed to take a friendly bite out of an unsuspecting garda.
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A kissing leprechaun entertains the crowd on
Westmorland street. Photograph:Piaras Murphy |
There were the usual stilt walkers, giant models and inflatables that the crowds have come to expect as well as the countless marching bands of pipes, trumpets, drums and of course majorettes.
More than 3,500 people took part in the festival parade today, 80 per cent more than last year.
The theme of this year's parade was "Voyages and Visions" and heading the spectacle was a Lilliputian Exploration Party, presumably returning the visit paid on them by Swift's Gulliver.
In all, 13 street theatre groups staged specially commissioned pageants involving between 100 and 300 performers each.
This year marks the 200th anniversary of Robert Emmet's death and a French Navy Band played music reminiscent of the late 18th and early 19th Century commemorating the era Robert Emmet lived.
There were 18 bands from Ireland, the US, Spain, Germany and Britain as well as local collaborations such The Fatima Community, Emmet 200 and a new cross border initiative.
There was very much something for everyone to enjoy. Today's parade is followed by the Céilí Mór in St Stephen's Green which will wrap up this year's six-day festival.
For full coverage of St Patrick's Day celebrations at home and around the world visit St Patrick's Day 2003 (free access).