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St. Patrick’s Day Festival to Return to Trafalgar Square!

The festival’s theme “Fáilte ar ais”, or "Welcome back", reflects the exciting return after two years of being postponed by the pandemic.

The London Irish Centre is delighted to be programme partner for the London St. Patrick’s Day Festival 2022 in Trafalgar Square!

In partnership with the Mayor of London, Londoners and visitors will be treated to events around the city on 12th and 13th March, including buskers on the Underground, festival celebrations held in the square, and the return of the iconic annual parade.

On 13th March, artist, songwriter, and radio host Gemma Bradley will host an amazing line up of Irish performers on the main stage from 12pm to 6pm. The jam-packed programme it set to include a diverse group of performers and presentations:

• • Damien Dempsey – A long-time supporter of LIC, and frequent guest of our online fundraising specials, Damien is an Irish singer and songwriter who mixes traditional Irish folk with contemporary lyrics to deliver social commentary.

• • Altan – Regarded as ‘the hottest band in the Celtic realm’ by The Boston Globe, Altan has spirit and sound of deep and rich musical tradition of their native Co. Donegal.

• • Musical performances by Xona, Séamus & Caoimhe Uí Fhlatharta, Irish Elderly Pensioners Choir, The Trad Gathering, Soulé and Hungry Grass.

• • Additional performances by Xnthony, Harriet Brain and Mark T Cox and the Girlband, spoken-word poet Rags-CV and the Maguire O’Shea Irish Dance.

• • Magical, playful, and mysterious folktales, myths and legends as told by story-teller Olivia Armstrong.

• • The Fiddler of London Competition Winner Mèabh Smyth

• • Irish Film Screenings by Irish Film London.

Starting at 12pm on 13th March, the parade will honour eleven key workers as Grand Marshals in a tribute to the Irish Londoners who have worked tirelessly throughout the pandemic. Filled with Irish marching bands, dancers and more, it will begin at Green Park and make its way to the festivities in Trafalgar Square.

A preview of festivities was launched at the Embassy of Ireland on 23rd February.

Many thanks to the Mayor of London, Culture Ireland and British and Irish Trading Alliance who are sponsoring the main stage programming.

We hope to see you in Trafalgar Square!