When is St Patrick's Day celebrated in London?
Every 17 March, Ireland celebrates one of its patron saints, St Patrick, with a national holiday and a traditional feast. Although it is not a public holiday in England, London marks St Patrick’s Day with fun and spectacular events every year, usually on the weekend closest to 17 March.
Be amazed by flamboyant pageantry, elaborate floats, marching bands from across the UK, sports clubs and Irish dancing schools in the annual London St Patrick's Day Parade. The procession sets off at midday from Piccadilly and makes its way along a 1.5-mile (2.4km) route, passing some of London’s most iconic landmarks, including The Ritz, Piccadilly Circus, Trafalgar Square and onto Whitehall.
Watch St Patrick’s Day performances by well-known Irish acts, rising stars and special guests. Then, browse craft stalls, and tuck into traditional and modern Irish food from the market. There is also usually a family zone on Pall Mall East, hosting an array of free child-friendly entertainment, workshops and activities.
You can also celebrate St Paddy's Day with parties and Guinness in London's Irish pubs and bars, many of which are decorated in green for the occasion.
