The organisers of tomorrow's St Patrick's Day festival in Belfast have promised that it will be the biggest and best the city has seen.
As with many St Patrick's Day events, last year's parade into the city centre was cancelled due to foot-and-mouth and community groups held celebrations locally.
Ms Irene Sherry, the chairwoman of the parade organiser, Belfast St Patrick's Carnival, said the theme of this year's parade would be Children of the World. "Children from this city will dress up in international costumes to join in spirit with celebrations across the globe this Sunday," she said.
"We're hoping for a big turnout after the disappointment of last year," she said. "Two or three years ago we had 90,000 to 100,000 people come into the city centre and the weather forecast for this year is good." Parades will leave from north, south, east and west Belfast between midday and 12.30 p.m. and will meet in front of Belfast City Hall, where a concert will be held.
In Derry city, the main attraction of the day will be an open- air concert in the Guildhall Square, featuring singer Brian Kennedy, which begins at 4.30 p.m.
Members of the Apprentice Boys of Derry will be among those taking part at the St Patrick's Day service at St Colmcille's cathedral at 11.30 a.m.