Painting the town green

St Patrick may have been Welsh, but why let a little detail like nationality spoil a good patron-saint's-day party? St Patrick's Day celebrations around the capital are always plentiful, but are often tricky to find unless you're in the know.

But this year is set to be different, with London's first St Patrick's Day festival organised in conjunction with the GLA, The Irish Post, the Irish Counties Association and London's Irish community. Festivities start at around 1pm after a traditional mass at Westminster Cathedral (starting at noon) and parade going to Trafalgar Square via Victoria Street.

The celebrations - intended to appeal to all Londoners, Irish or not - will be marked by the first public appearance of the newly reformed Dubliners. Also making an appearance are singers Mary Coughlan and Finbar Furey, the Wexford Male Voice Choir, Ireland's latest pop act No Way Out, dance troupe Celtic Feet as well as plenty more acts. Ken Livingstone will launch the festivities at 2pm.

St Patrick's Day Festival, Sun 17 Mar, Trafalgar Square, W1 (020-8741 0649)

RESTAURANTS: the tuck of the Irish
PUBS: Craic open a few beers