It’s that glorious time of year again, the only holiday (aside from Christmas) that encourages the uniquely complementary joys of novelty hats and excessive drinking.
Check out our overview of London’s best events taking place this St. Paddy’s Day weekend.
London St. Patrick’s Day Festival 2019
Let’s start with the obvious choice. London has hosted a festival each year since 2002 in celebration of Paddy’s Day, attracting over 125,000 revellers to take part in a magnificent event that showcases the best of Irish music, food, song, dance, arts and culture: the craic will undoubtedly be ninety. The parade sets off at midday Sunday from Piccadilly, and the festivities in Trafalgar Square run from 12pm to 6pm. This year’s theme is #LondonIsOpen, promoting a message of universal tolerance and inclusivity.
The Official St Patrick’s Day Music Trail at Camden Market
Any music fans out there? We thought so. If you think you’ll have the necessary energy to half-heartedly gyrate your hips after consuming the obligatory 5-10 pints of Guinness that the occasion requires, then head to Camden Market for an all-Irish live music bonanza. Exposing the varied talents of a cast of rising musicians performing across some of Camden’s finest venues, the event will culminate with a headline gig at Dr. Martens Boot Room, with gritty Irish rockers Sick Love providing a fittingly riotous finale. Oh, and if that wasn’t enough to convince you, there’s also free face-painting available at Everything 5 Pounds from 12 – 5. Don’t miss out – you’ll be green with envy.
Sodom & Begorrah at The Glory
Hosted at storied Haggerston venue The Glory, Sodom & Begorrah is “London’s most popular Irish gay party”, an LGBTQ club night and “celebration of queerness, otherness and Irishness” that’s about as Irish as it gets. This year they’re hosting a Paddy’s celebration that “puts the gay in Gaelic”, featuring an Irish dancing competition and an extravagant performance from DIY Dublin drag outfit Glitter Hole.
Shamrock Sessions at Wembley Park
The aptly-named Shamrock Sessions, taking place at Boxpark Wembley, celebrates the patron saint of Ireland with a packed programme of music, comedy, Irish dancing, food, drink and family-focused frivolity. Traditional Irish band The Shipsters will perform alongside ceilidh-style dancers, before 15-strong Irish dance troupe Scoil Rince Céim Óir take to the main stage. There’s also a selection of Ireland’s finest jokesters, with stand-up comedians Jalarth Regan, Patrick Monahan and Michael Legge bringing levity to the proceedings. It’s a decidedly family affair, with face-painting, craft sessions and balloon artists keeping the wee ones occupied while you unashamedly incapacitate yourself with several pints of the black stuff. Sounds just the ticket.
RUCKUS at VAULT Festival
If you’re looking for something different than the traditional combination of pubs, pints, and themed merchandise, opt for some “immersive entertainment” from RUCKUS at London’s VAULT Festival. Promising the ultimate St. Patrick’s Day Party, RUCKUS invites revellers to “dive into a world of old school mob bosses, music and mayhem”, summarising the experience as something akin to “peaky blinders but with twice the craic, and a totally different accent”. With live punk music, DJs, and walkabout entertainment from London’s finest immersive theatre group, this is surely one of the most unique experiences on offer this Paddy’s Day weekend. Oh, and don’t forget your flat cap, waistcoat and braces – this one’s got a dress code.
Everything Else
We know St. Patrick’s Day isn’t for everybody. If you despise the taste of Guinness, can’t stand Riverdance, or simply can’t be bothered, there’s still a host of other top-notch nights going on this weekend across England’s capital. Village Underground are hosting the ever-dependable dub devotees Channel One Soundsystem, while Moxie, Shanti Celeste, Peach and Saoirse bring an all-night four-way B2B madness to Bloc for On Loop’s third birthday. You can hear Iceland’s most ardent purveyors of softly-spoken techno Kiasmos spinning crystalline selections at Brixton’s Phonox, or even head down to The Cause – for a good cause. With all manner of Gaelic gaiety to choose from this St. Paddy’s Day weekend, there’s really no excuse to stay home. Have fun, and drink responsibly.