50,000 people expected to attend London’s St Patrick’s Day celebrations

City Hall has announced St Patrick’s Day celebrations will return on Sunday, March 12, with a host of events celebrating Irish culture and heritage in the heart of the capital.

The festivities will kick off at noon with a parade of Irish marching bands, dancers and pageantry.

More than 50,000 people are expected to join the annual procession, which will wind its way through the centre of London from Green Park through Piccadilly Circus to Trafalgar Square.

From noon until 6pm, Trafalgar Square will once again be showcasing the very best of Irish arts, performance, culture, food and dance.

Londoners and visitors can look forward to a free afternoon of entertainment with music from Sharon Shannon & Band, Celaviedmai, The Craicheads, Celtic Youth Orchestra, the Biblecode Sundays and AIS.

There will be a variety of stalls where those attending can learn about Irish culture and find out about community events in the capital.

Celebrity chef Anna Haugh will be returning to demonstrate how you can create Irish cuisine at home using fresh produce.

The celebrations aren’t limited to Trafalgar Square, with events happening across London all weekend, from busking on the Underground to a St Patrick’s film festival organised by Irish Film London.

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: “London’s St Patrick’s Day celebrations are a real highlight of our city’s cultural calendar, and a symbol of the strength of the relationship between the UK and Ireland. 

“London has the largest Irish community in the UK, and for centuries Irish Londoners have made an enormous contribution to the success of our capital city.

“From running successful businesses and supporting public services, to the huge influence on our arts and cultural scene, Irish Londoners are integral to the fabric of our city.”

Pictured top: St Patrick’s Day celebrations in Trafalgar Square (Picture: Greater London Authority)