The annual Irish celebration is coming up, so here is a guide to what it's all about and where you can join in.

When is St Patrick’s Day?

St Patrick’s Day is held on March 17 every year.

What is St Patrick’s Day?

Surprise surprise, St Patrick’s Day celebrates the patron saint of Ireland - St Patrick. It was made an official Christian feast day in the 17th century. The day commemorates the arrival of Christianity in Ireland and Ireland’s heritage and culture. The day falls during Lent and Irish families would traditionally attend church and celebrate in the afternoon. Lenten prohibitions were allowed to be ignored for the day so people could dance, drink and feast.

What should I eat on St Patrick’s Day?

The traditional Irish meal is Irish bacon and cabbage.

How do I celebrate St Patrick’s Day?

Guinness. All of it. People also wear green and have parties, parades and festivals all over the world. Plus there is the small matter of England v Ireland in the Six Nations at Twickenham.

Where does the shamrock come from?

It is said that St Patrick used the shamrock to explain the holy trinity of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit and it is now a staple image when celebrating this Irish holiday.

Where can I celebrate?

Central London

There is an annual parade in Trafalgar Square on St Patrick’s Day and you can imagine the cheerful atmosphere you will be welcomed by.

O’Neill's - Bromley

These guys love St Patrick’s Day so it is no surprise that they are going big this year. They are not just celebrating on the day, they are celebrating with a different St Paddy’s day offer every day this week. Visit their website for their St Patrick’s Day advent calendar. So whether you’re into Magners or Guinness, there is no need to wear all green, these guys have got you covered.

Brockley Jack - Brockley

It is all about the Guinness isn’t it. At Brockley Jack they will also be screening the Six Nations final on Saturday. Everything kicks off at 1.30pm so get there early to make sure you are alcoholically ready for the afternoon's events.

Skehans Free House - New Cross Gate

There will be rugby on all day so you don't miss out on the Six Nations and then after 9pm there will be live music to dance the night away.

Blythe Hill Tavern - Catford

These guys boast about having the best Guinness in south London and so what better place to spend St Patrick's Day? At Blythe Hill Tavern you won't get the excessive frills and Irish dancing, just a cosy pub, the Six Nations and all the Guinness you could possibly need.

George - Gravesend

At this Gravesend favourite they are celebrating all weekend starting on Friday. They will be screening the Cheltenham Gold Cup on it’s final day of racing. Watch some of the best horses jump into the finals to get that cup. On Saturday join the craic and raise a pint of Guinness or some Jamerson’s for shamrocks and shenanigans all weekend.

Cutty Sark - Greenwich

What better place to spend an evening drinking and dancing than beneath the hull of the Cutty Sark? Celebrate St Patrick’s Day with a traditional Irish Ceili and be regaled with tales of St Patrick and Irish Folklore in the unique setting of the Cutty Sark. There will be St Paddy’s Day food and drink, and then you can dance the night away. Doors open at 7pm.