THE people of Basingstoke proved they were really up for the craic by celebrating St Patrick's Day.

A number of events took place across the town to mark Ireland's national day on Thursday.

The local Celtic community gathered at the Irish Centre, in Council Road, where entertainment included live music and traditional dancers of all ages.

Irishman and borough councillor Sean Keating said: "It was an enjoyable, semi-cultural event. It was a good, light-hearted celebration of the national day and there was an excellent turnout."

But it was not just the Irish community who took part in the festivities.

Revellers at The Great Western Hotel, in Vyne Road, were treated to a number of Celtic treats.

The Mickey Kemp Band provided live music during the afternoon and dancing followed in the evening. The pub also served Irish stew and a disco took customers through to the midnight hour.

Great Western manager Stuart Keenan hailed the event as a success.

"It went really well," he said. "Everyone had a good time and enjoyed the entertainment."

The town's Irish pub, McCarthy's Bar, in Church Street, also put on a show for its patrons.

Kindred Spirit, an Irish band, played in the afternoon and a large number of people celebrated at the pub during the course of the evening.

Rachelle Benn, a member of staff at McCarthy's, said: "We all had to work very hard but the atmosphere was brilliant.

"St Patrick's Day is always one of our busiest times and this year was no different."

First published: Monday, March 21, 2005