London’s much-loved St Patrick’s Day celebrations will return on Sunday March 12, with Trafalgar Square again hosting the London Mayor’s official festival.
Now in its 20th year, the capital’s annual celebration of Ireland and its people will again begin with a parade, before music, arts, and plenty of food and drink.
Where does the parade take place?
London’s St Patrick’s Day parade starts at Hyde Park Corner before travelling through Piccadilly, St James’s Street, Pall Mall, Cockspur Street, and Whitehall.
More than 50,000 people are expected to join the annual procession of Irish marching bands, dance troupes, and pageantry, and many more will celebrate in pubs and restaurants around London.
What happens in Trafalgar Square?
The best of Irish arts, music, food and drink — yes, there will be Guinness — will follow the capital’s annual parade, with a line-up including the Celtic Youth Orchestra, and the Maguire O’Shea School of Dance.
This year’s host will be Riyadh Khalaf, while the chef Anna Haugh — best-known in London for her Chelsea restaurant Myrtle — will run food demos alongside children’s workshops and games.
When does the festival begin and end?
St Patrick’s Day festivities will kick-off at midday, and finish — officially, at least — at about 6pm.
The event is curated by the London Irish Centre and sponsored by the likes of the Irish Food Board and the Irish Embassy.
