Community action is the key to the success of the London St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Festival. Right from the first event, the Irish community voluntarily committed to the organisation and running of the event, fundraising throughout the year to finance, not only the Parade and Festival, but many aspects of the life of the Irish in London including the many who were in need. The Council of Irish County Associations (CICA) took the lead and to this day play a key role in the development and direction of the Parade and Festival.
Despite significant support as a traditionally religious parade, there were some across the community who did not feel their voices were represented through early annual St. Patrick’s Day events and so alternative ways of demonstrating the diverse identities of the Irish in Britain emerged. These voices tell us the stories of what it is like to be different within a migrant community. As the parade changed and the event became part of a celebration of multicultural London those voices found a place within the mainstream event and the Parade and Festival now showcases the many different ways to be part of the Irish community in London.