Celebrate St Patrick’s Day in style: here are six of the best things to do this weekend
If you didn’t have enough of drinking during London Beer Week, rejoice: for it is St Paddy’s day, and London is celebrating, hard.
To ensure you don't miss out, here's are the best things to do for St Patrick's Day in London.
Today
Father Ted-A-Thon St Patrick’s Day Special at The Grand, Clapham
Celebrate Craggy Island’s finest with a Father Ted-a-thon. Three episodes chosen by the public will show at The Grand in Clapham – alongside a girls’ competition and prizes for the best nun/priest costume. There’s also unlimi-Ted popcorn for £1 – there’ll be plenty of the Black Stuff too. Tickets can be purchased here.
St Patrick or the Pagans? At the Round Chapel, Hackney
Discover Ireland's pagan roots and find out the true story of St Patrick through immersive performances while tucking into a three-course Irish banquet designed by Masterchef quarter-finalist Ingrid Wakeling. After you’ve devoured your meal there will be live music from HoneyFeet, giving you the chance to dance the night away.
Time: 7pm – 11pm
Tickets: £30
Also listen out for Irish-themed musical performances and poetry at Westminster, Tottenham Court Road and Southwark Tube stations.
Saturday
St Patrick's Film Festival London
The film festival will take place throughout the three-day celebration, although alas, all the free screenings have sold out. The festival will present the latest and greatest of Irish cinema to a London audience, with screenings of Traders and The Young Offenders at the Prince Charles Cinema on Saturday and Sunday. Buy tickets here.
St Patrick's Day at Camden Market
The festival will take place all day with live music, as well as a screening of the all-important England v Ireland Six Nations match. Expect to see a lot of green as shamrock hats take over the market. The Atrium Kitchen will have a variety of activities for little ones, including arts and crafts, Irish dancing lessons and of course, lots of face painting. And for the adults, there will be Guinness on tap for the adults.
Sunday
St Patrick’s day Parade
This year’s parade begins at noon and will make its way through some of London’s most iconic landmarks, starting at Piccadilly and ending at Trafalgar Square. Throughout the 1.5 mile route, spectators will be treated to flamboyant pageantry, Irish-themed floats, marching bands and more. The finale at Trafalgar Square will include live music, comedy, street food, community stalls and free activities for kids.
Tours
What better way way to end the festivities than with awalking tour led by London Blue Badge Tourist Guide Tony McDonnell, where you’ll get to learn more about Irish London.
If you’d prefer something more adventurous for kids, there’ll be a free adventure trail for the whole family. The quest will take you from Stratton Street to the National Portrait Gallery taking, roughly 1.5 hours to complete. There will also be opportunities to win prizes, so don’t miss out – you may just win tickets for your own Irish adventure in Dublin.