The McLaughlin family travelled from County Louth

Visitors from across the world joined the celebrations as green wigs sparkled under the March sun.

Thousands of people turned out to see Irish Popstar winners Six as they performed songs from their debut album at an open air concert outside City Hall.

Pretend traffic wardens on stilts waded through a sea of Irish tricolours, as some authentic wardens diverted traffic with large shamrock stickers on their black coats.

Sean and Sheena McLaughlin said they had travelled from Omeath in County Louth to see the celebrations.

'A smaller scale'

Sean, who is originally from Belfast, said they had decided to come to the city instead of Dublin for a change of scenery.

"We have brought the kids - Joseph, Eireann, Denim and Jake - because we love it," he said.

"The Dublin parade is very big and it is hard for the kids to see. Belfast is on a smaller scale, but it is nice."

Thousands of people turned out to see Irish Popstar winners Six

A Dunmurry man in his 60s said it was the first time he had been at a St Patrick's Day celebration.

"I just came down to see what it was like - I really had nothing else to do," he said.

"I didn't expect such a crowd of people. The concert is very good, but I would like to have seen a march."

'Different celebrations'

That sentiment was echoed by Australian woman Jenny Mulhern.

She and her family are visiting her daughter who has been in Northern Ireland for the past seven months.

"We sort of expected something bigger, and thought there would be a parade with floats," she said.

"In Australia there are different celebrations for St Patrick's Day, with games and field activities."

An open air concert was held at City Hall

For seven students from the Asian sultanate of Brunei, the sun had made the day perfect.

Azlee Ramlee, a second year dentistry student at Queen's University, said it was the first time they had been at a St Patrick's Day celebration.

"It is a really great day - we have our own celebrations and festivals at home and we are keen to see how they compare," he said.

"There are a lot of people here and it is a warm environment - we are all enjoying it."

Six kicked off their set with their hit song, A Whole Lot Of Loving Going On.

The band made a concession to wearing green clothing for the day with an array of combat gear.

Sam Lavery from the Falls area of west Belfast said he had brought his wife and niece into the city centre.

"I just think it is a great day for the family," he said.

"In the past, St Patrick's Day has been all about being in the bar and drinking - but something like this brings families together for a great day.

"This is the first year I have actually come down for St Patrick's Day. It would have been good if there had have been a parade to start things off, but this is a fantastic event."