St Patrick's parade and festival set for London

St Patrick's Day celebrations are returning to central London on Sunday, with more than 50,000 people expected to attend.

The annual parade featuring Irish marching bands, dancers and pageantry will weave through the streets of the capital from Hyde Park at midday and finish in Trafalgar Square.

Irish writer and broadcaster Emma Dabiri will serve as the grand marshal for the 2026 event. She said it was a "huge honour" to lead the procession, adding that while you can "take the girl out of Dublin, you can never take Dublin out of the girl".

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

The main stage, hosted by comedian Rachel Galvo, will feature performances from acts including Nell Mescal, the London Bodhrán Band and the Irish Culture Centre Hammersmith's choir.

In addition to the live music, the event will include an exhibition highlighting stories from Ireland's LGBTQ+ diaspora, as well as Irish language lessons and a "sessions tent" for comedy and short films.

Younger visitors can take part in children's arts and crafts workshops with Artburst or visit the Oldbog Cottage experience.

Celebrity chef Anna Haugh is also set to return to the square with a new pop-up restaurant, The Wee Sister, serving traditional Irish dishes.

Mayor of London Sir Sadiq Khan said the festival was a highlight of the capital's cultural calendar and a chance to say thank you for the "incredible contribution Irish Londoners have made".

Ireland's ambassador to the UK, Martin Fraser, said the day brings together the Irish community and "all friends of Ireland here in Britain" to celebrate the strong friendship between the two nations.

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