Bristol St Patrick's Day parade 2024: Everything you need to know

Bristol’s largest St Patrick’s Day parade to date is set to take place this Sunday (March 17).     

The procession, hosted by not-for-profit organisation W.E. Irish, will travel from M Shed to St Nicks Market and pass some of Bristol’s most iconic institutions.

Starting from 1pm outside M Shed, with those joining the parade invited to arrive in their shamrocked best by midday.  

The parade will travel through the city, filling the streets with Irish floats, caricatures, decorated cars and bicycles, music, dancing and everything in between.  

A pause at Queen Square will see a short performance of music and dance before heading to St Nicks.

Following the parade, an after party will run until 8pm, hosted at St Nicks Market’s Glass Arcade and Revolution Bar on St Stephen’s Street, where the family-friendly festivities will continue. 

As well as plenty of activities for all ages to get involved in, there will be displays of Irish dancing from four different schools in the Bristol area, alongside Irish musicians and folk singers to keep crowds merry and entertained.  

There will also be two dedicated bars celebrating Ireland’s best liquid exports - Guinness and Irish Whisky!

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Bristol Deputy Lord Mayor and W.E. Irish parade organiser, Paula O’Rourke, said: “With a belief that celebrating culture is transformative within communities, we are looking forward to bringing everyone, Irish or not, together for a big celebration and appreciation of what Irish people, past and present, have contributed to the West of England. 

“Beyond the stereotypes, we’re extremely proud of our Irish heritage, culture and tradition and can’t wait to showcase the diversity in the city and to share learnings from the stories of Irish families in Bristol.” 

The parade is free to all attendees, however the afterparty will be a ticketed event, with tickets available to purchase here: https://www.headfirstbristol.co.uk/whats-on/revolution-bar-st-nicholas-market/sun-17-mar-w-e-irish-culturefest-party-87798#e87798