St Patrick's Day is around the corner, and London is once again hosting a massive St Patrick's Day Parade and Festival to celebrate Ireland's national saint. It takes place across central London and spills into Trafalgar Square.
When and where is London's St Patrick's Day parade?
St Patrick's Day itself — that's 17 March — falls on a Tuesday this year, so the event takes place a couple of days before — on Sunday 15 March 2026. The festivities start at 12pm and wind up around 6pm. The parade begins at Hyde Park Corner, wending through Piccadilly, St James's Street, Pall Mall, Cockspur Street and Whitehall — culminating in Trafalgar Square, where there's lots going on.
Who's in the St Patrick's Day parade?
50,000 people usually line the 1.5 mile route down to Trafalgar Square to admire elaborate floats, marching bands, sports clubs and Irish dancing schools from across the UK, Ireland and the USA.
As is tradition, a well-known figure takes on the role of Grand Marshal of the St Patrick’s Day parade, and this year it's Irish writer and broadcaster Emma Dabiri leading the procession. And in that procession? Irish County Associations, community organisations, marching bands, dancers, musicians and carnival performers. Check the St Patrick's Festival website for full details of the 2026 line-up.
What's happening in Trafalgar Square for St Patrick's Day?
Festivities take place at the end of the parade route in Trafalgar Square all afternoon. Entry is free, and entertainment centres around the main stage, hosted by comedian Rachel Galvo. The line-up is replete with live Irish music, with performances from the Irish Culture Centre Choir, Moonlight: The Philip Lynott Enigma, Carrie Baxter, the Cór Na nÓg children's choir, Jig and a Swig with the London Bodhrán Band, The Wran, Nell Mescal, Huartan, David Keenan and Robert Arkins, star of 1991 film The Commitments, who now tours with a band of the same name/persuasion.
Away from the Main Stage, catch shorts from London Irish Film & TV, the Out in the World: Ireland's LGBTQ+ Diaspora exhibition, Irish Language Lessons, children's arts and crafts, plus food, drink and cultural stalls.
All of the above culminates in a grand singalong finale — an excuse to lubricate your pipes with a stout or two. Keep an eye on the St Patrick's Festival website for details.
Other St Patrick's Day events in London
The parade and festival is just a small part of London's St Patrick's Day celebrations. Plenty of other organisations and venues hop on the emerald green bandwagon, organising their own St Patrick's Day events and celebrations, from comedy to cabaret to cheesy club nights. Oh, and if it's Irish pubs you're after, here's our guide.
