Of the four patron saints day's celebrated on our fair Isle only one is a truly international event, if you need proof look no further than the
international land marks, including our very own London Eye that will be turning a shade of green come march 17. London has its own unique way to celebrate St Paddy's day that includes, but extends far beyond, hitting your local O'Neills for a pint of Guinness. Here is a rundown of how to celebrate St Patrick's day London style
The Mayor's St Patrick's Day Parade: and Trafalgar Square Festival
It may not surprise many of you to discover that originally St Patrick's Day was a pious religious holiday celebrated in the home country by visiting church. Leave it to the Americans to start the tradition of the eccentric Irish parades. On Sunday March 14th London carries on this tradition with the Mayor's St Patrick's Day Parade. Last year over 100,000 Londoners attended the parade which features an array of marching bands, floats and various groups representing each of the Irish counties. The parade starts at Green Park and runs through central London ending in Trafalgar Square where live Irish music and dance will run throughout the day. The parade begins at midday and the live music and dance in Trafalgar Square runs until 6:00 pm.
Irish Film Festival In association with Bafta: March 15th
To mark Ireland's contribution to the silver screen the best of the best of Irish film is on display on March 15th and better still it's all free. The British Academy of film aka
BAFTA is hosting
Gabriel Byrne with two of his films: Into the West and Stories from Home from 2:15 pm; while the
Imperial War Museum will feature Tailwind the emotional tale of Irish WWII veterans preparing for battle on the front line. All three films are not to be missed and give a real insight into the Irish psyche both past and present.
Big St Patrick's Day Shindig Bush Hill Park - March 17th
You could always celebrate St Patrick's like the Irish will with the St Patrick's day Shindig at the 02 Shepherds Bush Empire. A variety of great live Irish acts from classic modern will serenade you at the ornate Shepherds Bush Empire. Expect a great collection of your favourite Irish classics with a modern twist. Featuring up and coming band
Honey Ryder the night should get you into the St Patrick's Day mood and of course if you need a pint of Guinness after there is an O'Neills and a Walkabout famed for their Paddy's day celebrations just around the corner. Tickets and times are all available
here.
The St Patrick's Day Pubs
The pious Paddy would surely rather spend the namesake of his day in church with the other patron Saints of Britain George, David and Andrew but times change and St Patrick's day has now for decades been associated with a decadent level of drinking. It isn't difficult to find a pub in London celebrating a knees up St Paddy's day but for better or worse here are a few of the best places to be.
O'Neills Covent Garden ok, ok among the plethora of O'Neills in the capital this one has to get a mention for good old fashioned drinking the Emerald Island style. As always come March 17th it will be packed and the atmosphere will be second to none for St Paddy's celebrations.
Waxy O'Connors live Irish music, drinking and the Wales vs Ireland game on the 13th of March all ensure that this staple of Irish-Anglo society won't disappoint on the run up to, or the big day. The
Corrib Rest One of London's truly traditional Irish pubs where you will be guaranteed good whiskey and great music.
Whether you are in the mood for a parade, festival or just a pint St Patrick's Day in London 2010 will not disappoint.
