SPIRITS failed to be dampened despite the rainy weather as the people of Holyhead came out to celebrate their Welsh heritage and culture.

Despite the cold and wet, the St David's Day parade still took place on Thursday, March 7.

All along the town centre route local businesses and shops showed their support flying Welsh flags and with colourful window displays.

Although St David's Day - which honours the nation's patron saint - was officially on Friday, March 1, the Holyhead parade was held over due to the half term.

During the festivities, children from the local primary schools, and from Holyhead High School took part along with others from Holy Island, Valley and Rhosneigr.

The Holyhead Mayor Councilor Keith Thomas and Mrs Thomas joined in the celebrations, accompanied by visitors from Greystones, Ireland, which is twinned with Holyhead.

Holyhead resident Richard Burnell said: "Even though the weather was atrocious, a great crowd turned out, although the parade was greatly shortened this time."

The procession, led by a Samba band, started at St Mary's RC Church, and proceeded to the cross outside St Cybi's Church.

The parade then returned to St Mary's where a short service and concert took place.