London Seeks Marching Bands for St Patrick’s Day Parade in 2027

Marching bands and music groups are being invited to register their interest in taking part in London’s St Patrick’s Day celebrations in March 2027, with formal applications expected to open next month.

The annual festival will take place on Sunday 14 March 2027, with the parade travelling from Hyde Park Corner through central London before finishing in Trafalgar Square, where a programme of Irish cultural entertainment will run from 12 noon until 6pm.

The Greater London Authority is inviting marching bands, music groups, dance troupes and community organisations to take part in the parade, offering an opportunity for groups from Ireland to showcase their music to audiences in the British capital.

Irish bands have a proud history in London

A number of bands from Ireland have taken part in the London parade in recent years.

Donegal’s Cloughaneely Senior Band travelled to London in March 2026, fulfilling a trip originally planned for 2020 before it was cancelled due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The band had also represented Donegal at the New York St Patrick’s Day Parade in 2025.

K&S Accordion Band, from County Meath, took part in the London parade in 2023, marching from Piccadilly to Trafalgar Square before returning home for local St Patrick’s Day celebrations.

Meanwhile, Mayobridge Band, from County Down, was invited to lead the London parade in 2017, marking a significant occasion for the band and its local community.

Other previous participants have included Ballindaggin Pipe Band from County Wexford, alongside Donegal groups such as St Peter’s Band from Mountcharles and Buíon Cheoil Rann na Feirste.

The 2027 event could provide another opportunity for bands to follow in their footsteps and bring Irish marching-band music to one of the largest St Patrick’s Day celebrations outside Ireland.

How bands can register their interest

Groups interested in participating can contact the organisers by emailing StPatricksDay@london.gov.uk.

The initial expression of interest should include the organisation’s name, the size of the group and whether it will be participating on foot or bringing a vehicle.

The organisers have confirmed that formal applications will open in November, with further details to be provided to groups that register their interest.

A major opportunity for Irish bands

London’s St Patrick’s Day parade is a significant annual celebration of the city’s Irish community, bringing together music, dance and cultural organisations for a procession through the capital.

For marching bands in Ireland and Northern Ireland, the event could provide an opportunity to perform overseas and represent their local communities at one of the largest St Patrick’s Day celebrations outside Ireland.

Further details about the 2027 parade programme and participating groups are expected to be announced closer to the event.

Useful link: London St Patrick’s Festival 2027 – official information