What a turnout in Benidorm today - if you can’t get to Ireland then the next best place has to be here. The sun shone and the crowds turned out for the annual St Patrick’s Day celebrations, which seem to be getting bigger and busier each year. From around 12 noon people started gathering, dressed in a variety of outfits, with the common theme being green!

There were plenty of Guinness hats, green wigs, green tutu’s and more than a fair number of leprechauns running up and down the length of Calle Gerona. The bars went to great lengths decorating with Irish bunting and balloons – and most blared out live music.

The Cheltenham races were broadcast at many bars along the strip and the massive poolside screen at the Marina Hotel attracted large crowds – certainly a novel way to watch. Everyone appeared to be having a great craic and there was a definitely a carnival like atmosphere.

As the afternoon wore on the enthusiasm certainly didn’t diminish… I am fairly certain that they will still be partying long after the sun goes down. After the British Fancy Dress Day in November, which will be on Thursday 17 this must be the next big event here for the Brits – if you can’t get here for that then book St Patrick’s for next year… falling on a Friday it will be definitely be a popular weekend. I bet tomorrow morning there will be a few sore heads around the resort!