PINTS of Guinness flowed as St Patrick’s Day and the Cheltenham Gold Cup got punters into the Irish spirit today.

Pub-goers channelled the Emerald Isle as they donned gigantic Guinness hats for a day of festivities while racing fans arrived suited and booted at Swindon Train Station for their trip to Cheltenham Racecourse.

The Tap and Barrel in Manchester Road turned a Shamrock shade of green as drinkers put on their best emerald outfits to celebrate and watch a polished Irish dancing performance.

Friends Jo Pursey, 31, and Tina Morris toasted the day with pints of Guinness and a traditional Irish meal of cabbage, bacon and colcannon.

Tina, from Redhouse said: “I’ve been coming here on and off for 18 years. This is one of the last pubs in Swindon that celebrates St Paddy’s Day. There’s such a great atmosphere here, it really makes you feel proud to be Irish.”

Jo, who lives in Ramleaze, added: “It’s part of our history, and it’s such a great thing to be able to come down here and celebrate with friends and family.”

Pubs also saw an increase in customers indulging in pints of the black stuff for St Patrick’s Day. The Savoy in Regent Street honoured the day by selling huge Guinness hats for £2, which was donated to cancer charity CLIC Sargent.

General manager Liam Stack said: “It’s been very busy at lunchtime. People are calling up in advance to reserve a Guinness hat. People seem to be really enjoying St Patrick’s Day and we always have a good turn-out for it.”

Meanwhile fascinators, tweed jackets and chinos were the order of the day as hundreds boarded the train to Cheltenham, hoping for the luck of the Irish as they had a flutter at the races.

Friends Grace Parker, 27 and Heidi Sheppard, 26 wore their finest dresses in preparation for a sophisticated day at the races.

Grace, who lives in Old Town said she couldn’t be more excited about her first trip to the Gold Cup.

She said: “I am really excited about the day and of course it being my first time there I can’t wait to experience the atmosphere of a race day. I’m hoping to win some money on the horses and just have a really great day with lots of champagne and friends.

Seasoned Gold Cup guest Heidi, from Warminster said: “I’ve been a few times and it is always such a fun and different day. It is nice to get glammed up and there is such a fantastic atmosphere there that I can’t wait to experience it again.”

The Guntrip family, who live in Old Town were looking forward to their annual trip to Cheltenham.

Tim Guntrip, 28 said: “I am excited, it is always a great day with the family and lots of drinks. Fingers crossed I will win big.”