It’s incredible to think that St Patrick’s Day - a celebration of the patron saint of a country populated by less than 6 million people - is one of the most wide spread festivals of its kind. All across the UK celebrations will be taking place on March 17 in honour of the man who introduced Christianity to Ireland.

This year, as ever, people (Irish or otherwise) will be coming together for parades, festivities and, of course, the inevitable drinking which is always at the centre of St Patrick’s Day.

Here’s the MyVillage guide to entertainment this St. Patrick’s Day:


Hammersmith Irish Centre | 14-16 Mar 2008
Why go anywhere else in town? You want live music, comedy with one of Ireland’s best Niall Tobin, or just a good ol’ fashioned book fair? Well it’s all here, check it out.
Hammersmith Irish Centre

St Patrick’s Day Parade | 16 Mar 2020
Taking to the streets of London will be the official St Patrick’s Day Parade. If you’re up for a bit of public Irish pride, music and joviality, get your little green and white self down to Hyde Park Corner at midday on Sunday. The parade will see marching bands from Ireland and the UK, community groups, sports cubs, schools and street theatre take to the streets of central London for a fun filled family spectacle.
Hyde Park
Midday
For more information: www.london.gov.uk

St Patrick’s Day Festival | 16 Mar 2020
Fit some Irish culture in and around the parade with a full on festival, which takes place on Sunday March 16 in Trafalgar Square, Leicester Square and Covent Garden. A free family day out to experience all things Irish - food, dance, crafts, culture and music. The event starts at midday and finishes at 6pm.
Trafalgar Square, Leicester Square and Covent Garden
Midday - 6pm.
For more information: www.london.gov.uk

Post-Parade Buffet Dance and Ceili Dancing | 16 Mar 2020
If you’re all worked up and ready to go after the parade and festival, wind your way up north to Camden Town where you can continue the festivities at the London Irish Centre. There’ll be a post-parade buffet dance, featuring ’Mary Morrissey and her band’, followed by Ceili dancing with music by Tadgh Kearney.
London Irish Centre, 50-52 Camden Square. NW1 9XB
7.30pm
For more information: www.londonirishcentre.net

Irish Film Festival | 16 Mar 2020
It’s pretty grey, it’s not all laughs and ceilidhs – but damn, these are some of the real classics of Irish cinema. On the 16th you can catch rare screenings of Mise Éire (I Am Ireland), the first full length Irish language film ever made, and Liam O Leary’s controversial Our Country at the Barbican centre. Tickets cost £8
Barbican Centre
2pm

Irish Walk | 17 Mar 2020
Take a wander through the capital’s streets that have been streaked with Irish flavour and influence. From the old Irish quarters of St. Giles and Covent Garden to the lesser note emerald fringes of the town. Includes indepth gallery tour of Irish figures in the collection and 90 minute walk with historian Tony McDonnell.
National Portrait Gallery
10.30am – 3.30pm

The Dublin City Working Man’s Band | 17 Mar 2020
This raucous and exciting band, of high energy dynamic Dublin lads will be delivering a feast of well known songs from the likes of The Dubliners, The Pogues, Christy More and The Wolfetones.
Irish Cultural Centre, Hammersmith. W6
7.30pm
For more information: www.irishcentrehammersmith.co.uk

If it’s a pint of the black stuff you really crave, here’s where to quench your thirst ’Irish style’:

Cobden Club | W10 5BN
If it is music, whiskey and more whiskey you want, then head down to The Cobden Club. As part of the Jameson Live St Patrick Session, gig-goers and Guinness slurpers can celebrate the festive occasion with live acts, such as The Coral, The Aliens, and Florence and the Machine.

O’Neills | N10 3HA
Not only has O’Neills won the approval of tough Guineess drinkers as THE best place to enjoy a pint of the Irish bevie, but it remains the numero uno spot for St Patrick’s shenanigans. From their scrumptious Irish menu to banging music, it’s the crock pot! 

Waxy o’ Connors | W1D 6DD
China Town’s Irish hot spot will be London’s biggest party in town. To enjoy the Irish craic to the fullest, head to Waxy’s! Expect an array of Irish tipples, music, singing, dancing, and food.the list goes on and on.

The City Pride | E14 8JH
If you need to kick start your St Patrick’s Day, then March the 14 and 15 needs to be well noted. So what’s on the bill? Well, besides the usual inordinate amount of Guinness on tap, City Pride will be home to a feast of paddy cocktails, karaoke and lots more entertainment.

Balham Tup | SW12 8JB
Get yourself geared up for St Patrick’s Day, with a lil’ head start on Saturday (15th March). Party it up , with the goodness of Irish grub, snacks, drinks and let’s not forget the good ol’ legwork once the stereo is cranked up to full volume.

MyVillage, 19th October