St Patrick's Day 2024: Parade and festival return to London

Parade watchers decked in green wave at last year's parade

St Patrick's Day celebrations will return to London on Sunday 17 March.

More than 50,000 people are expected to see the procession of Irish marching bands, dance troupes and pageantry displays in central London.

The parade, organised by the mayor of London and the London Irish Centre, goes from Piccadilly to Whitehall.

There will also be a festival in Trafalgar Square from 12:00 to 18:00 GMT showcasing arts, music, culture and food.

The mayor's annual shindig has become a huge event to celebrate the contributions Irish people have made to the capital.

Irish Drag Queen and activist Panti Bliss will be grand marshal of this year's parade.

She said: "I am equally honoured and excited to be the Grand Marshal of this year's London St Patrick's Day Parade and am already in training to cover the distance in high heels."

Onlookers wait for the parades at 2023's edition

Chief executive officer of the London Irish Centre, Séamus MacCormaic, said: "We will be showcasing a diverse programme of Irish arts and culture in the iconic Trafalgar Square, celebrating the creativity and vibrancy of the Irish community in London, and of Irish artists from the island of Ireland."

There will be traditional music from Biird and Bodhrán player Ruairi Glasheen, Irish music with a bhangra twist from the band Jiggy.

Also expect contemporary music from Kestine and folk singer Laura Elizabeth Hughes, performances by the Celtic Youth Orchestra, traditional Irish dancing from the Maguire O'Shea Academy of Irish Dance, community choirs and a singalong finale.

Celebrity chef Anna Haugh will be putting on a cookery demonstration and hosting a Q&A session for tips on how to make traditional Irish dishes at home.

A float of St Patrick at the 2023 parade

Listen to the best of BBC Radio London on Sounds and follow BBC London on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to [e-mail]