Crowds gathered to celebrate the first St Patrick's Day since the complete lifting of Covid restrictions. Although there was no parade, Old Market Square hosted a series of performers including popular Celtic folk band, Kelly's Heroes.
The day started with a mass to bless the shamrock at The Mass of St Patrick at Our Lady and St Patrick's Church in Robin Hood Way, The Meadows. Market Square celebrations were in full swing by 12.30pm with a full line up of performers playing traditional music.
The celebrations were officially opened by Councillor David Trimble, the Lord Mayor of Nottingham, and Sheriff of Nottingham, Councillor Merlita Bryan. This year, Nottingham is twinned with the city of Cork in the South of Ireland.
Read more: How the Irish are celebrating St. Patrick's Day
Every year, the city is partnered with a county in Ireland to highlight the culture and heritage of different cities. Speeches were made highlighting the importance of preserving Irish culture in Nottingham.
Pat Murphy, of the Nottingham Irish Studies Group, represented Cork and was presented with a gift on stage. He stressed the good work of the Nottingham's Irish Centre in Wilford street and community groups such as the Golden Shamrocks.
"I thought I would be the only man from Cork in the whole place," he joked. "I'm very proud to be representing Cork and the Irish centre. Every year the city is twinned with a county in Ireland. I was told there are nine more to go."
He added: "This is the 50th anniversary of the Irish Centre being set up on Wilford Street. In the 70s and 80s, I'm sure some of you went to the Irish centre when there were queues down the street. There aren't any queues anymore but we are still going strong."
There were several stalls selling traditional stew, Irish treats and tea as well as face painting and Irish community services. Jayface face painting were on hand to get the shamrocks going along with a pot of gold or two.
Megan Fitzgerald, working on one of the stalls, is proud to be third generation Irish. "My grandad is from Co. Wicklow," she said.
Many were celebrating their Irish heritage or family members. David Lee from Hucknall popped down in costume to enjoy the live music.
‘My mother's side are Irish- Murphys - and they are here somewhere, so I’ve come down to celebrate my Irish roots.’
Bars and restaurants will also be celebrating the day with a series of special food creations, offers and drink discounts. O'Neill's Irish bar on Market Square was in full swing by 11am as revellers dropped by for a pint of Guinness.
Manager Karl Niblett and Chris Nicholson, general manager of O'Neill's Irish bar, expected a big crowd for live music later on into the evening. Local musician Myles Knight performed favourites to a packed pub with popular band Halfcut due on at 7pm.
It's the first year that O'Neill's has been able to celebrate St Patrick's Day with no restrictions.
"It was a slow start but has picked up throughout the day. As stuff started at Market Square, that massively helped. Its very different without Covid restrictions but it should be a good busy day," Karl said.
Raglan Road was also enjoying a busy day with customers ordering Guinness and shots.
Celebrations will continue into the night with bars and restaurants offering live music and performances.
The Council House was light up green on Thursday evening.
