st-patrick-s-day-in-london updated

You don’t have to go to Ireland to enjoy the party atmosphere of St Patrick’s Day 2020, there’s plenty going on right here in London

The Irish really know how to celebrate, so when it comes to St Patrick’s Day in London, the city’s Irish community have no problem showing us how it’s done. A day to celebrate the patron saint of Ireland, the occasion is always one big welcoming bash. Expect lots of dancing, hearty traditional dishes, a huge parade and as many pints as you can handle.

The official holiday lands annually on March 17 (a Tuesday in 2020), but this year the main London celebrations take place in Trafalgar Square March 13-17.

At this year’s three-day shindig, more than 50,000 revellers are expected to descend on Trafalgar Square for a lively parade of music and ceilidh dancing, plus plenty of things to do with the kids, from an Irish folk show and film festival to Irish walking tours. Feeling peckish? Fill up on traditional grub from the Irish Street Food Market.

If you can’t face the crowds, we've rounded up the best St Patrick’s Day happenings below. Or if you want more cultural inspiration, check our pick of the best London events in March. Get ready for a very green weekend