St.Patrick's Day may have passed on March 17, but this year's celebrations in Beijing were a little delayed. The Irish community in the Chinese capital got together to mark their National Day last Friday -- giving themselves a whole weekend to recover from the fun and festivities. The 11th annual Irish Ball which was billed as the biggest, and probably best, Celtic party.

Every year, St. Patrick's Day is the excuse for celebrations and parties all over the world. Beijing's Irish Ball has become one of the city's most hotly anticipated annual social events. Some 650 guests from China and overseas turned up for the premier ball, enjoying the meal, the music, the lucky draws and, most importantly, the Irish atmosphere.

The past 12 months have witnessed numerous events and activities playing an enormous contribution to furthering Sino-Irish commercial and cultural relations. And this year the Deputy Prime Minister of Ireland, Mary Harney also attended the party.

The most exciting moment came when Celtic Fusion, a popular band specially flown in from Ireland, walked up to the stage and performed traditional Irish music. The infectious melodies got the party goers up on their feet and dancing into the night.

(CCTV.com March 24, 2004)