ST PATRICK'S DAY 2011 - Trafalgar Square gets green for go - The Mayor of London’s St Patrick’s Day Parade and Festival, Sunday, March 13.

Published: 10 March 2011

IRISH or not, dress up in green and head for the West End on Sunday.

Set to be one of London’s liveliest celebrations of the year, the St Patrick’s Day Parade and Festival will include colourful floats, marching bands and groups representing the Irish counties, who will proceed through central London from Green Park to Trafalgar Square starting at noon. Large crowds are expected to attend the festivities, which attracted around 100,000 people last year.

They will be treated to acclaimed musician Damien Dempsey – who is headlining the main stage – and compere, comedian Patrick Kielty. Other performers include the Davit Showband, dance from Hammerstep and Liam Ó Maonlaí of Hot House Flowers fame.

London schoolchildren will also be presented with awards after winning this year’s schools competition, which was themed “Tell us your Irish story”.

The Mayor of London Boris Johnson said: “London’s celebrations to mark the feast of St Patrick are always brimming with ebullience and merriment. A lively and colourful day out, it’s an opportunity to share in the illustrious heritage of the Emerald Isle and to celebrate the impact that Irish men and women have had on our city over generations. With music and dance, great food and drink, there’s a barnstorming time to be had. Don’t forget to wear something green – Lá le Pádraig sona daoibh!”

• The Mayor of London’s St Patrick’s Day Parade and Festival in association with Lebara Mobile takes place on Sunday, March 13.  

The parade starts at noon at Green Park, then Piccadilly, Haymarket, Trafalgar Square and Whitehall. 
The festival is in Trafalgar Square from noon to 6pm.  Free entry. 
For details visit www.london.gov.uk/stpatricksday/ Telephone: 020 7983 4100