Thousands expected at St Patrick's day parades across the Midlands

Parades are being held in cities and towns across the region Credit: ITV News Central

Thousands of revellers are taking part in celebrations to mark St Patrick's day today.

Parades are being held in cities such as Birmingham and Leicester to mark the Irish annual street party.

The official holiday lands annually on March 17th but celebrations are being held this weekend.

In Birmingham, the parade will begin at noon at Camp Hill. It will then lead down Digbeth High Street towards the Bullring before looping round again.

Around 250 runners are kicking off the festivities in the first ever Emerald Mile fun run ahead of the parade. There will also be two outdoor entertainment stages for the first time.

Leicester's festival has begun at Holy Cross in New Walk. Our reporter Rajiv Popat was there to soak up the atmosphere.