Today (March 17) is Saint Patrick’s Day, a celebration of all things Irish. This year’s celebration falls on a Friday, giving Londoners all the more chance to party.
The occasion, marking the patron saint of Ireland, has been a feast on the Christian calendar since the early 17th century and is celebrated in more countries than any other national festival. Patrick himself is credited for converting thousands of Pagan worshippers in the fifth century and is said to have died on March 17 at Downpatrick.
Here are five events happening in London to mark St Patrick’s Day.
St Patrick’s Day Parade - Sunday, March 12
Trafalgar Square is playing host to London’s St Patrick’s Day Festival, with the best of Irish arts, culture, food, and music to enjoy.
A highlight is an annual parade through central London, with more than 50,000 people expected to join the procession of Irish marching bands, dance troupes, and pageantry.
“The mayor’s annual shindig has become a highlight of London’s cultural calendar, as Londoners and visitors unite in celebrating the great contributions Irish people have made to the city,” a statement read.
The parade is free to attend. It starts at Hyde Park Corner, then travels through Piccadilly, St James’s Street, Pall Mall, Cockspur Street, Whitehall, and Trafalgar Square
For more information, visit the website.
Irish London - St Patrick’s Day Walking Tour - Friday, March 17
From its radicals to its writers, Ireland has contributed a lot to London over the years and this tour will take in some of the histories.
An organiser has said: “Starting close to the British Parliament, we’ll talk about political figures and leaders of the Easter Rising and Ireland’s War of Independence. We will then head up towards the theatre district to learn of Ireland’s incredible contributions to literature and culture, finishing in the neighbourhood of Soho, a place where many Irish families settled following the Great Hunger of the 1840s.”
The tour finishes with the chance to have a pint in Soho.
Tickets are £15 for adults and £12 for concessions for youth, seniors, and those on low-incomes, under 14s go free.
Book your tickets on Eventbrite.
Irish Pub Crawl - Friday, March 17
London Pub Crawl is organising a trip around the capital’s boozers in the spirit of “painting the town green”.
The event starts at 7.30pm at three venues across town and costs from £15 to join (from £12 in advance).
Organisers have said: “You’ll be accompanied by one of our expert nightlife guides for the duration of the night to ensure that you have an amazing time!”
For more details and to book, visit London Pub Crawl.
Irish Whiskey Tasting - Friday, March 17
Ignition Brewery in Sydenham is hosting what could be a unique and fun event to be part of - the tasting of real Irish whiskeys.
The south London venue is giving guests the chance to sample and learn about some of the most exciting Irish whiskeys on the market today and have great craic.
Tickets from £27.20.
Head to Eventbrite to book and for further details.
St Patrick’s Day Run - Saturday, March 18
A 5km fun run will be held at the Lodge Café, by Hyde Park Corner, and is back for a third year after being one of the few St Patrick’s celebrations to go ahead during lockdown in 2021.
Runners are invited, once they have finished, to follow on to a social at an Irish-themed bar.
“I’m not Irish but I certainly felt it after taking part... a stand-out experience!” a reviewer has said of a previous event.
Tickets from £19.34.
For more details visit Eventbrite.
