The best St Patrick’s Day events 2018

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published 14 March 2018

St Patrick’s Day Street Party at the Fiddler’s Elbow, Brighton

Brighton’s self-styled “original and best Irish bar” is hosting its legendary St Patrick’s Day Street Party for an impressive 23rd year in a row. This epic all-dayer features all the craic you can handle, with a full programme of live music, face painting, traditional Irish grub and, of course, copious amounts of Guinness.

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Following the success of last year's inaugural St Patrick’s Day event, the Irish music trail returns to Camden Market in 2018. This time women are taking centre stage with a showcase of all-female musicians. Performances will take place across the Market, ranging from intimate coffee shops to pop-up open-air stages. There’ll also be Irish themed treats to see you through the day, provided by the likes of Crosstown Doughnuts and Cereal Killer Cafe, who will be serving bowls of – what else – Lucky Charms.

Enjoy a dose of culture in between all the drinking with the St Patrick’s Film Festival, presented by Irish Film London as part of the annual London St Patrick’s Day Festival. Hosted by Soho institution the Prince Charles Cinema, the three-day programme features a variety of Irish films, shorts and animations. Highlights include a screening of Irish language animated short An Béal Bocht (The Poor Mouth) and the UK premier of Damo & Ivor: The Movie, accompanied by a Q&A with director Ronan Burke and star Andrew Quirke.

If you’re looking for something a touch classier than a pint at your local O’Neill’s then pop down to literary-themed boozer the Bloomsbury Club Bar for their sophisticated St Patrick’s Day Soiree. Expect a night of live acoustic music, bespoke limited-edition cocktails and specially curated food, all inspired by the Emerald Isle. The night has been organised in partnership with Kerry-based Dingle Distillery, so expect a range of suitably boozy cocktails with a Gaelic twist, as well as a selection of authentic Irish craft beers.

Ever wondered what St Patrick’s Day would have looked like back when the great man himself first set foot on the Emerald Isle? Presumably there would have been a lot less Guinness and novelty green hats for starters. Navan Fort, an ancient ceremonial site near Armagh, Northern Ireland, is holding a special sunrise event in the wee hours of 17 March. Featuring songs and storytelling – and a free breakfast – it's a unique opportunity to ‘celebrate the first light of Saint Patrick’s morning with the ancient people of Ulster’. A wholesome activity before the inevitable revelry.

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