Right throughout the history of the London Parade and Festival, music, dance and sport have been central to the celebrations. Cultural events organised and funded by the community would take place right across London, with large public festivals in Roundwood Park and Peckham Rye happening annually, alongside the traditional parade. The voices here bring to life the London celebrations, traditions and details as the event transformed from a walking parade to the modern day carnival it has become. The St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Festival is now the most recognisable celebration of the Irish in London and is no longer just an event for the Irish but for all communities across the city.
Dance
Traditional Irish dance exhibitions, memories of dancers in the Parade and Festival.
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Dance
Characters
Hear about some of the characters, who’s Irish heritage has brought them to the Parade
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Characters
Floats
Recollections of floats in the Parade and how they were built.
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Floats
Irish Festival
Memories of the London Irish Festival in Roundwood Park and in Trafalgar Square from 2002.
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Irish Festival
Music
From marching bands to traditional Irish music, memories of musicians in the Parade and Festival.
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Music
Religion
A religious Parade, in the name of Ireland’s Patron Saint.
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Religion
Sport
London Irish sports – the Gaelic Athletic Association, football, hurling and camogie join in the Parade and Festival.
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Sport
Traditions
St. Patrick’s Day traditions, from shamrock to the wolfhound.
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Traditions