The Irish are experts when it comes to partying. They’re so good, in fact, they even have a special untranslatable term – the craic – to describe their unique brand of conviviality. With Trafalgar Square as the setting for London’s official bash in celebration of their patron saint, a blast is pretty much guaranteed. The celebration is set to see more than 50,000 turning out for Irish food, dancing and a huge parade featuring pageantry, floats and music that will wend its way from Hyde Park Corner to Trafalgar Square with concerts, films, performances from community choirs, schools, dance troupes and a singalong finale.
Can you hear the clink of Guinness glasses and the thump of Bodhráns? The craic is about to descend on London with St Patrick’s Day falling on Sunday this week. If you’re in search of ways to paint the town green, hit up London’s huge parade that concludes in Trafalgar Square with singing and dancing, pay a visit to your favourite Irish pub to see it at its rowdiest, or look out for one of the smaller celebrations taking places across the city.
If you’re a film or literature buff you’re also in luck with a wealth of movie and book festivals kicking off this week. Look out for the ever-brilliant BFI Flare, the largest showcase of LGBTQ+ cinema in Europe with a packed programme full of the best in contemporary queer cinema from around the globe. There’s also a fest celebrating the often overlooked role of women in mafia cinema with some brilliant guest speakers and the Human Rights Watch Film Festival full of hard-hitting documentaries.
The London Book Fair begins this week, but if you’re after a cheaper alternative take a look at the programmes at The Alternative Book Fair in Islington or Depford Literature Festival in south east London.
Still got gaps in your diary? Embrace the warmer days with a look at the best places to see spring flowers in London, or have a cosy time in one of London’s best pubs. If you’ve still got some space in your week, check out London’s best bars and restaurants, or take in one of these lesser-known London attractions.
RECOMMENDED: listen and, most importantly, subscribe to Time Out’s brand new, weekly podcast ‘Love Thy Neighbourhood’ and hear famous Londoners show our editor Joe Mackertich around their favourite bits of the city.