Mayor Sadiq Khan expressed his enthusiasm for the festival, calling it a vital part of London’s cultural calendar.
London is set to come alive with Irish pride as the city’s iconic St Patrick’s Day Festival and Parade returns on Sunday, March 16. Mayor of London Sadiq Khan announced the much-anticipated event, which celebrates the immense contributions of London’s Irish community and invites Londoners and visitors alike to revel in Irish culture.
This year’s festival will be led by Grand Marshals Katie-George Dunlevy, Paralympic gold medal-winning cyclist, and Kellie Harrington, Olympic gold medal-winning boxer. Fresh off their remarkable achievements in Paris last year, the two champions will guide a vibrant procession of over 50,000 participants through central London. The parade will feature dazzling floats, marching bands, and dance troupes as it winds its way from Hyde Park Corner through Piccadilly and Trafalgar Square before culminating at Whitehall.
Trafalgar Square will be the heart of the festivities, hosting an exciting lineup of entertainment curated by Irish-Indian-Malaysian DJ and broadcaster Tara Kumar. Attendees can look forward to performances from world-class acts such as Kíla, Irish Women in Harmony, and Ragz-CV, among others.
Celebrity chef Anna Haugh will also make a return, showcasing the best of Irish cuisine with live cooking demonstrations. Food stalls will offer a variety of delicious treats to satisfy all palates. Meanwhile, the event’s cultural program will feature the Peace Heroines exhibition, a moving tribute to Ireland’s unsung female heroes, alongside the Irish Creative Collective Sessions, which will highlight the finest in Irish comedy, music, film, and TV shorts.
For those eager to immerse themselves in Irish traditions, an Irish Dance Zone will provide an opportunity to learn traditional dance steps, while the Children’s Zone will feature Artburst-led creative workshops focusing on sustainability through recycled materials. A special screening of The Song Cycle will also take place, documenting the journey of Nick Kelly and his band Dogs as they cycled from Dublin to Glastonbury for a festival performance. This year, they will pedal all the way from Dublin to London to take part in the parade before gracing the main stage.
Mayor Sadiq Khan expressed his enthusiasm for the festival, calling it a vital part of London’s cultural calendar. “London’s St Patrick’s Day celebrations continue to grow each year, and I am proud to host this major event that honors Irish culture and the incredible contributions of the Irish community in our city. From business and public service to the arts and culture, Irish Londoners have played a significant role in shaping London into the vibrant and diverse city it is today. Lá Fhéile Pádraig Sona Daoibh!”
Ireland’s Ambassador to the UK, Martin Fraser, echoed the Mayor’s sentiments, emphasizing the significance of the festival in bringing together the Irish diaspora and friends of Ireland from around the world. “This event is a joyous celebration of Irish arts, culture, and community, and we are thrilled to see it flourish year after year. The inclusion of the Peace Heroines exhibition and the presence of our inspiring Olympic medallists as Grand Marshals make this year’s festival particularly special.”
Grand Marshal Kellie Harrington shared her excitement about leading the parade, stating, “It’s an absolute honor to take part in London’s St Patrick’s Day celebrations alongside my good friend Katie-George Dunlevy. I have always attended the parade in Dublin, but this will be my first time celebrating abroad, and I can’t wait to be part of such a special event.”
Katie-George Dunlevy added, “I am truly honored to be part of this festival, representing Ireland on such a grand stage. After an incredible year at the Paralympics, this celebration is the perfect way to cap it off.”
The London Irish Centre, which plays a key role in curating the event, is excited to bring a diverse program of arts and culture to Trafalgar Square. CEO Séamus MacCormaic expressed pride in celebrating the contribution of Irish communities to London, thanking the Mayor and event partners for their continued support.
Event sponsor Sisk’s Managing Director, Ger Hayes, highlighted the importance of St Patrick’s Day in bringing together the Irish diaspora in London. “As an Irish business, we are proud to support the community and celebrate our shared heritage. This festival is a fantastic opportunity for our workforce, families, and friends to come together and enjoy Irish culture.”
Tourism Ireland’s Acting Deputy Head of Great Britain, David Wood, also encouraged visitors to join the celebration. “This festival showcases the vibrancy of Irish culture, arts, and community spirit. We invite everyone to visit our stand to learn more about Ireland and plan their next trip.”
With an incredible lineup of events, performances, and cultural showcases, London’s St Patrick’s Day Festival promises to be a spectacular celebration of Irish heritage, uniting communities in the heart of the capital for a day filled with joy, culture, and camaraderie.
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