Mayor Sadiq Khan has unveiled plans for the return of St Patrick’s Festivities in London.
Those celebrating St Patrick’s Day have had some rotten luck in the last two years. March 2020 marked the start of the global pandemic, and 2021 didn’t fare much better, with the UK still in lockdown.
Fast forward to March 2022, and it looks like we can finally make up for lost time, after London Mayor Sadiq Khan officially revealed the plans for Paddy’s Day festivities in the capital.
Speaking today, the mayor confirmed that the iconic parade, as well as the celebrations in Trafalgar Square would be going ahead as normal this year. The event, taking place on March 12 and 13, showcases “the very best of Irish arts, performance, culture food and dance”.
Appropriately, the theme this year is one that celebrates bringing the community back together again, after the postponing of the busking, the celebrating and the parading of the last two years. Plus, this year’s celebrations will also pay tribute to the Irish key workers who have supported the city during the pandemic.
Mayor Sadiq Khan said: “I am delighted that London’s St Patrick’s Day festival will return to our streets this March, and it is fitting this year’s theme is one of celebration and bringing the community back together.
“London has the largest Irish population in the UK and St Patrick’s Day provides a wonderful opportunity to honour the spirit of our Irish community and celebrate the enduring strength of relationship between our two countries. Lá Fhéile Pádraig Sona Daoibh!”
The parade is set to kick off on March 13 at midday, and will include the return of the Irish marching bands, dancers and pageantry. It’ll weave through from Green Park to Trafalgar Square, where a roster of activities are planned through the day.
You’ll be treated to a fantastic lineup of Irish talent at the square, with entertainment including – *deep breath* – family concerts, food and drink stalls, face-painting, storytelling, children’s films, community choirs, dance troupes and much more. Acts including Soulé, Xona, Altan and more will perform on the main stage.
Andrew Ridley, regional director for the NHS in London, said: “The dedication and compassion of the Irish staff across our NHS in London has been phenomenal, especially during the past two challenging years. It is testament to the brilliant work of our NHS staff working in our communities, hospitals, GP surgeries and vaccination centres, that Londoners can now celebrate St Patrick’s Day, together, with loved ones.”
The main parade for St Patrick’s Day in London will kick off at 12pm on Sunday, March 13; starting at Green Park.
