St Patrick's Day is around the corner, and London is once again hosting a big 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 2025?
St Patrick's Day itself falls on a Monday this year, so the event takes place the day before — Sunday 16 March 2025. The festivities start at 12pm and wind up around 6pm. The parade begins at Hyde Park Corner, travelling 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 2025?
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.
Specifics for 2025 haven't been announced yet, but in 2024, Irish drag queen and activist Panti Bliss was Grand Marshal of the St Patrick’s Day parade. In previous years, there has been a Giant St Patrick, a larger-than-life mechanical version of the saint. Keep an eye on the St Patrick's Festival website for full details of the 2025 line-up.
What's happening in Trafalgar Square for St Patrick's Day 2025?
Festivities take place at the end of the parade route in Trafalgar Square all afternoon, hosted in partnership with the London Irish Centre. Entry is free, with live music and Irish dancing, plus plenty to keep younger visitors happy.
This year's Grand Marshals are para cyclist Katie-George Dunlevy, and Olympic boxer Kellie Harrington, both of whom won two gold medals in their respective sports.
Irish-Indian-Malaysian DJ and broadcaster Tara Kumar hosts the main stage in Trafalgar Square, with singing and dancing throughout the day. There's also a St Patrick’s Day Film Festival, with a programme of Irish short films on a theme of 'sustainability and greening London' shown in Trafalgar Square on the day.
It all culminates in a grand singalong finale — a good excuse to lubricate your pipes with a Guinness or two. Keep an eye on the website for details.
Other St Patrick's Day 2025 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.
