Today, Thursday, is St Patrick's Day.

Irishmen - and others just seeking a good time - are invited to head towards Maidstone's only Irish Bar - Nellie Gerkins in Week Street, where the owner Ciaran O'Quigley said: "We are hosting one of our biggest events ever with a massive celebration and one of the best Irish bands."

Mr O'Quigley opened Nellie Gerkins in what used to be the lounge of his MuMu nightclub in August 2020.

The club itself was devastated by a serious fire in July last year and is still undergoing renovation.

However Nellie Gerkins is in full swing.

Mr O'Quigley said: "We travelled to the Bronx in New York to pick up items to decorate the bar, to give it the look of an authentic Irish jazz bar from the 1920s."

The festivities start at 10am and will go till 1am tomorrow morning, with Irish food, Irish dancing and this evening an Irish music band, called the Stark Family.

The Stark family consists of Dad Paul Stark, his three sons Toby, James and Jonny, and one non-family member, the drummer, Luke Horton.

They have been performing together for 17 years and specialise in Irish music.

Mr O'Quigley said: "I was brought up in Ireland and must have visited every bar in the country!

"I can honestly say the Stark Family Band are one of the best Irish bands I've ever heard."

Which is ironic really, as they are English, from Maidstone.

The Mariner's Bar in York Street, Ramsgate, is also hosting an evening of Irish music, featuring the Thanet based duo Two's Company, with Nat on vocals and Rob on Keyboards.

The pub is right by the harbour and the music starts at 8pm.

The Clarendon Royal Hotel in Royal Pier Road, Gravesend, is holding its St Patrick's Day celebrations tomorrow, Friday.

Doors open at 6.30pm and stay open till 2am with Irish music, Irish dancers, a buffet including colcannon, an Irish dish involving potatoes, bacon, cheese and cabbage.

It is a ticketed event, £20 per person. Details from 01474 362221.