The Irish in Britain, including those of Irish descent, make up a significant part of the UK population. Here, you will find news, entertainment, events, sports and features from the local Irish Post newspaper.

Mayor of London Ken Livingstone has outlined further details of this year’s St. Patrick’s Day celebrations in the city.

The festival returns to Trafalgar Square for the first time since it was launched in 2002 and events are also taking place in Leicester Square and Covent Garden. 

This year’s highlights include London’s biggest parade yet — with floats representing Irish counties, bands from Ireland and Britain, theatre groups, the London Fire Brigade, Metropolitan Police, sports clubs and London schools.

The best of contemporary and traditional Irish music will be showcased on the main stage in Trafalgar Square in addition to an Irish village featuring dance and music workshops, a children’s play area, arts and crafts and a tourism exhibition.

An Irish artisan food market will be held in Covent Garden on Saturday, March 12 and Sunday, March 13 where some of Ireland’s finest food and drink producers will be showcasing their culinary products.

Other events include a classical concert in St James’s in Piccadilly on March 11 featuring violinist Catherine Leonard and pianist Finghin Collins and the French cellist Pierre Doumenge and an Irish Art Exhibition at Jury’s Hotel in South Kensington from March 9 to March 24.

Mr Livingstone said: “By celebrating St. Patrick’s Day we are marking the enormous contribution that generations of Irish people have made and continue to make to the social, economic and cultural life of our city.

“I want to see London’s St. Patrick’s Day celebrations grow each year to stand alongside those seen in cities like New York, Boston and Chicago.

“We had a fantastic day last year and there will be something for all the family again this time, with live music, traditional Irish food and crafts as well as children’s activities.”