A number of constant themes feature across the many accounts and memories of those who shared their stories as part of the Irish Voices Archive. These themes reflect the real uniqueness of the London St. Patrick’s Day Parade. The part it played in British-Irish relations and the politics of the different decades, its location in one of the world’s most diverse and changing cities, its community roots, and the importance of identity and culture to a migrant community. With over 200 extracts from across 40 oral histories, explore below our four curated theme collections from across the archive. Each of our theme collections also offer ways to learn more about the Irish Voices project and the Irish in London. See our Creative Heritage section and our Learning Resource for more about working with school and community groups. Our image section is also themed under our four key collections. View all the wonderful images. Each theme collection offers a curated series of small audio snapshots of the many voices from our full oral history interviews. Explore collective rememberings, particular events, rainy days and a tall tale or two!

Change

Change and transformation reverberate across the stories of the Parade. As the community evolved over time, the London St. Patrick’s Parade and Festival grew from a small volunteer led religious procession to the spectacle we see today. At times thousands marched behind banners, while at others the streets lay empty and the Parade abandoned. Listen to the change Audio Clips

Community

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. Then, as the parade changed and the event became part of a celebration of multicultural London new voices found a place within the event and the Parade and Festival now showcases the many different ways to be part of the Irish community in London. Listen to the Community Audio Clips

Culture

Right throughout the history of the London Parade and Festival, music, dance and sport have been central to the celebrations. 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. Listen to the Culture Audio Clips

Politics

The politics of being Irish in London has been embedded in the St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Festival since it began. The London Irish community has always been affected by the shifting political relationship between Britain and Ireland and at times the community has felt the impact in the most severe ways. Listen to the Politics Audio Clips