SURE it'll be fun and frolics all around the globe on March 17 - next Saturday in this part of the world - as everyone with Irish blood coursing through their veins celebrates St Patrick's Day.

More than 70 million people worldwide claim Irish ancestry, although on St Patrick's Day, anyone downing a pint of Guinness, wearing green or dancing or listening to Irish songs claims some obscure Irish heritage just so they can join in the 'craic'.

And on the subject of Guinness - 'the black' sales soar on St. Patrick's Day.

More than 5.5 million pints of Guinness are downed around the world every day but on St. Patrick's Day that more than doubles.

You can be sure that the Tweed will be cracking up with 'craic' next Saturday as a host of clubs, pubs and organisations celebrate St Patrick's Day.

Of course many will also be heading to church to participate in masses to celebrate the life of the Ireland's Patron Saint.

But "craic" is the word on St Patrick's Day and heading the charge will be the St Patrick's Day celebrations out at Uki's Mt Warning Hotel.

Organised by local musician, Ray Hunter, the entertainment includes gigs from two bands - Shameless O'Hooligan and Sydney or the Bush.

There's also best dressed prizes, oodles of 'craic' and a promotion by the Guinness Girls.