Cosmopolitan festival

FROM Italian flag throwing to Latin dancing, this weekend's St Patrick's Festival celebrations in Dublin have a cosmopolitan …

FROM Italian flag throwing to Latin dancing, this weekend's St Patrick's Festival celebrations in Dublin have a cosmopolitan flavour.

There will be street entertainment today in North Earl Street, Foster Place, Temple Bar, College Green and outside the Central Bank on Dame Street. A "festival of fire" parade will leave from the Ha'penny Bridge at 7p.m. and make its way along the south quays to the Custom House.

A "village of fun" event will take place on Westmoreland Street and Dame Street from 1-6 p.m. tomorrow and a funfair on Burgh Quay and George's Quay will continue from noon tomorrow until Tuesday.

Monday's events begin with an international band competition on Westmoreland Street at 9 a.m. followed by the St Patrick's Festival parade which starts at noon.