London plans for grand St Patrick’s Day festivities

Central London is set to turn green next month as the Mayor of London’s annual St Patrick’s Day parade and festivities come back to the heart of the capital on Sunday, March 17. Irish national treasure Panti Bliss will be the Grand Marshal of this year’s parade, expected to attract over 50,000 people as Irish marching bands, dance troupes, and pageantry make their way through central London from Piccadilly to Whitehall.

Visitors can look forward to a range of free, family-friendly entertainment organized in collaboration with the London Irish Centre, showcasing Irish arts, culture, food, and music. The event will feature traditional music, Irish music with a bhangra twist, contemporary music, performances by the Celtic Youth Orchestra, traditional Irish dancing, community choirs, and a singalong finale.

Celebrity chef Anna Haugh will also be on hand to demonstrate cookery skills and host a Q&A session for those interested in creating delicious Irish dishes at home. The Mayor’s St Patrick’s Day celebrations have become a staple of London’s cultural calendar, highlighting the significant contributions of the Irish community to the capital.

Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, expressed his excitement for the upcoming festivities, emphasizing the importance of celebrating the Irish heritage in London and the enduring friendship between the British and Irish people. Ireland’s Ambassador to the UK, Martin Fraser, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the strength and diversity of the Irish community in London and across the country.

With Panti Bliss leading the parade as Grand Marshal this year, the St Patrick’s Day Festival in London promises to be a fantastic event celebrating Irish heritage, culture, and contemporary community. The festival serves as a platform to recognize the strong and lasting connections between London and Ireland, inviting all members of the community to join in the celebration and build connections.