Giant human shamrock created in Trafalgar Square in London to mark St Patrick’s Day.
A giant shamrock created by dancers and members of the Irish community in London appeared in central London this week, ahead of the capital’s weekend of St Patrick’s Day celebrations.
More than 200 people and a dog performed a céilí before moving into a formation to create a giant shamrock in Trafalgar Square, demonstrating that despite Brexit, London is open for St Patrick’s Day.
Spanning three days, from Friday, March 15, to Sunday, March 17, London’s St Patrick’s Festival brings together Londoners and visitors to the capital to celebrate the contribution Irish people have made to the city.
Read more: Watch Dublin’s St. Patrick’s Festival Parade live on IrishCentral
“The Irish community has done so much to enrich London over many generations, making our capital a livelier, warmer and more vibrant place to live, work and visit," said Debbie Weekes-Bernard, Deputy Mayor for Social Integration, Social Mobility and Community Engagement.
"Our St Patrick's Day celebrations will bring our city together to demonstrate that despite the current uncertainty, London Is Open to people from all communities."
“Tourism Ireland is delighted to support the St. Patrick’s Festival in London, which is a celebration of the unique and close relationship shared between Great Britain and Ireland," added Julie Wakley, Head of Great Britain with Tourism Ireland.
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Just LOVED the spirt of the #security at #TrafalgarSquare this morning warming up for #St.PatsDayLDN #IamIrish pic.twitter.com/MowQlLr6hS
— I Am Irish (@Iamblirish) March 13, 2019
"This year we’re inviting people to fill their hearts with Ireland with the amazing Irish food, music and cultural activities that are part of the Mayor of London’s St. Patrick’s Festival, or even better they can take a flight or ferry and experience it for themselves on the island of Ireland itself.”
The St Patrick's Day festival in London will culminate on Sunday with the world-renowned St Patrick’s Day parade, which will be led by this year’s Grand Marshal, actor James Nesbitt. Now in its 17th year, the parade attracts more than 50,000 people for a colourful procession of Irish marching bands from the UK, US and Ireland, energetic dance troupes and spectacular pageantry.
Image: Tourism Ireland.
The parade ends at Trafalgar Square where there will be a world-class line-up of Irish culture and music on the main stage.
Events across the three days also include an Irish Film Festival running at Regent’s Street Cinema, featuring a programme inspired by the theme #LondonisOpen. On Saturday bands and artists from the Irish community will be performing and busking at London Underground stations, as well as the Camden Market Music Trail.
Image: Tourism Ireland.
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