Guinness at the ready everyone, yes it is almost that time of year again, St Patrick's Day is just around the corner and we have the ultimate guide to the London celebrations.

St Patrick's Day is on Friday March 17, and there are plenty of events in central and west London that are sure to take your fancy.

What is St Patrick's Day?

Every year on March 17, Ireland celebrates one of its patron saints, unsurprisingly named Saint Patrick.

To mark the date the saint died, those in Ireland hold a Christian feast and enjoy a national holiday.

Unfortunately, here in England, we do not benefit from a national holiday, but after work hours, many pubs come alive as celebrations begin and continue on into the weekend.

Head to London for the St Patrick's Day celebration!

Every year, the day is also celebrated in London over the weekend which falls closest to March 17, which in 2017 is March 18 and 19.

So here is a guide to just some of the events you can get involved with in London this year.

St Patrick's Day Parade

Last year, thousands of people lined the streets between Piccadilly and Trafalgar Square to watch the St Patrick's Day Parade which included a performance from the cast of Riverdance and there was an Irish food market on hand for those wanting to grab a bite to eat.

LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 16: Dancers dressed in Irish themed costumes participate in the annual St. Patrick's Day Festival as it passes from Piccadilly to Trafalgar Square through Haymarket on March 16, 2014 in London, England. (Photo by Stuart C. Wilson/Getty Images)

This year, the parade will take place on Sunday, March 19 and promises Irish dancing, flamboyant floats and marching bands.

The procession begins at 12pm from Piccadilly and travels just over a mile towards Trafalgar Square.

In Trafalgar Square, there will be entertainment from some Irish favourites including Liam O'Maonlai, Lisa Lambe, hosted by Irish stand-up comedian, Jarlath Regan alongside an Irish street food market.

Free Irish walking tour

Join a free walking tour where you can learn all about Irish London with tour leader Tony McDonnell.

The walks run from 2pm on March 17 until 6pm on March 19.

Call 07850 184790 to book your place.

LONDON - MARCH 18: Balloons in the colours of the Irish flag are released over the crowds gathered to celebrate St Patrick's Day, in Trafalgar Square on March 18, 2007 in London, England. (Photo by Jeremy O'Donnell/Getty Images)

St Patrick's Day Film Festival

During the St Patrick's Day weekend, Irish films will be shown across London including short films, Irish features and animations.

One of the free events takes place on Friday, March 17 from 5pm until 9pm at the London Film School in Covent Garden.

For information on further film showings, click here .

LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 13: Revellers take part in the St Patrick's Day parade through central London on March 13, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Tristan Fewings/Getty Images)

Whiskey and cocktails

The Bloomsbury Club Bar in Fitzrovia will be celebrating on March 17 with a party, which promises to have whiskey and cocktails flowing.

An evening of Irish entertainment will be put on for guests from 8pm until 11pm, with Irish dancers on hand, alongside an authentic Irish menu which boasts Baked West Coast Oysters and Murphy’s Blissful Butterscotch Ice Cream.

And if you are a fan of Irish whisky, you can get a taste of the spirit from The Dingle Whiskey Distillery, which remains exclusive to The Bloomsbury Club Bar until the launch of Dingle whiskey to the UK market from spring 2018.

Head to your local Irish pub

Or, if you just fancy heading around the corner for a pint, then there are sure to be celebrations at your local Irish pub.

There is Flynn's Bar & Diner in Ealing, The O'Donoghue's in Shepherd's Bush or Buckley's Bar in Harrow, and that is just naming a few.

To find your local Irish bar, just click here .

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