UK events: March 2017
St Patrick’s Day
Nationwide
17 March
17 March marks the celebration of Ireland’s primary patron saint, St Patrick. A three-day celebration culminates in the annual St Patrick’s Day parade in London’s Trafalgar Square on 19 March. You can enjoy traditional Irish music, marching bands, and elaborate floats.
If you can’t make it down to the capital then you will be able to celebrate in any of the Irish pubs throughout the UK. 5.5 million pints of Guinness on average are sold around the world every day on average – but this figure rises to an astounding 13 million pints on St Patrick’s Day. Cheers!
Edinburgh’s Harp Festival
Scotland
1 to 6 April
If you are riding high on Scottish music after the Chevening Burns Night Ceilidh then indulge yourself with Edinburgh’s International Harp festival. On 31 March they will be showcasing some of the featured performers for free at the Memorial Hall.
Marmalade Festival
Penrith, Cumbria
18 to 19 March
If you are yet to find time to enjoy the very British treat of marmalade (the favoured snack of Paddington Bear) then now’s the time! Penrith is the host of the 12th annual World’s Original Marmalade Awards from 18 to 19 March. You can taste the best marmalades as well as enjoying fun exhibitions and demonstrations. So make your way to beautiful Cumbria for the most British of festivals.
Get a taste of what’s happening
York’s Literature Festival
Yorkshire
16 to 30 March
If you are feeling bookish this month then drop in to York for their literary festival. From 16 to 30 March, York will be playing hosts to British literary heavyweights such as poet Carol Ann Duffy and author and commentator Will Self. It will also explore York’s historical connections to some of Britain’s most famous writers such as Charles Dickens and the Brontë sisters.
Bristol Jazz Festival
South West
16 to 19 March
Are you a big jazz fan? Then head down to Bristol from 16 to 19 March. Bristol has a huge and diverse music scene and has been described as ‘the New Orleans of the UK’ due to the quality of the jazz on display. The line-up will include some of the world’s most exciting and innovative jazz and blues artists.
St Piran’s day
Cornwall
5 March
St Piran is the patron saint of Cornwall, and legend tell us that St Piran sailed to Cornwall on a Millstone. Join the Cornish folk of Falmouth for a day of celebrations on 5 March. There will be a parade’s through the town, a brass band, and traditional Cornish poetry.
International Women’s Day – #BeBoldForChange
Nationwide events
8 March
Visit the International Women’s Day website for a list of the many events that are happening around the country for the campaign.