Guinness, one of the world’s best-loved and most distinctive beers, is calling on revellers around the world to celebrate St Patrick’s weekend in style and ‘Paint the Town Black’.

Next Sunday 17th March, people around the world will unite in celebration of St Patrick’s Day. More than 60 million people globally claim Irish ancestry, including the 4.1 million citizens of Ireland. Everyone, whether Irish or not, is encouraged to ‘become Irish for the day’ in honour of this cultural and traditional day.

This year, Guinness will be marking the St Patrick’s weekend extravaganza in their trademark way, with ‘Paint the Town Black’ inspired celebrations taking place around the globe – fans are in for an unforgettable night out with good friends and, of course, a pint of the black stuff.

In Malta various pubs will be taking part in this global celebration and giving out special branded gifts to Guinness drinkers. Selected supermarkets will be giving out a special St Patrick’s Day edition Guinness keychain with every four-pack purchased.

For the first time ever, the Irish Maltese Circle are holding a St Patrick's Day Parade next Sunday. The parade will leave the Phoenicia Hotel at 11.45am and march through Republic Street. H.E. Jim Hennessy, Irish Ambassador to Malta and Mrs Monica Nally Hennessy will lead the parade.

Also participating in the parade are traditional dancers from Ireland, Paws Malta, Breast Care Support Group, St Patrick's Football Club, San Gwann Scouts Pipe Band, and Keltica (a Maltese group who play Irish music). The parade will end with a performance in St George's Square.

Fergal Murray, Guinness Master Brewer comments, “St Patrick’s Day is about having a fantastic night out with friends, no matter where you are in the world. And this year, we want people around the globe to come together and Paint the Town Black with us, to celebrate this much-loved holiday in style.”

Guinness is imported, marketed and distributed by Farsons Beverage Imports Co Ltd, a member of the Farsons Group.