The ‘Beast from the East’ failed to deter crowds flocking to the annual St David’s Day parade through Wrexham.

As temperatures plummeted below zero, the route was curtailed but that did not dampen the spirit as all ages lined the streets and took part in the parade, which set off from the Guildhall in Wrexham and ended in Queens Square.

The Cambria Band led the hordes through the town before heading to Queens Square.

School pupils performed and the public joined in with renditions of Calon Lan, accompanied by the Wrexham County Senior Brass Band.

The parade route was gritted to ensure conditions were not slippy underfoot.

At the weekend, a ‘carnival of fun’ will form part of the St David’s Day celebrations.

Further fun and games take place in Queens Square from 10am to 4pm tomorrow.

Families and visitors are invited to join in the fun, with entertainment provided by singer-songwriters Danielle Lewis and Meilir Tomos, and Welsh learners’ choir Côr Daw.

Other fun on offer during the day will include a bilingual Punch and Judy show and bilingual magician; cooking demonstrations from famed Welsh chef Dai Chef and free arts, crafts and painting.

Cllr Mark Pritchard, leader of Wrexham Council, hailed the event and said: “It was particularly encouraging to see so many of our schools attend and how the weather did not dampen their spirits.

“Thanks to all the staff and everyone involved in making this event a huge success”