****The parade route has been amended from the previously communicated route - details below***

Following on from last year's successful the Glasgow St Patrick’s Festival Parade is a now annual celebration of Irish heritage, culture, and the contribution of the Irish community to Glasgow and Scotland.

 

The parade brings together community groups, dancing schools, bands, dancers, charities, and families in a vibrant display of music and colour.

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The parade theme for 2026 is a ‘Celebration of Irish immigration to Scotland.'

 

For music in 2026 we are delighted to welcome two west Donegal traditional marching bands from Rann na Feirste (Ranafast) and Dobhar (Dore).

 

The parade will also include Glasgow Irish bands St Roch’s and Buíon Ceoil Brother Walfrid alongside Comhaltas Branches Irish Minstrels CCÉ and St James the Great CCÉ.

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All are welcome to attend the route of the parade and bring their own decorations.

Formal participation IN the parade is by invitation or registration request ONLY.

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**UPDATED ROUTE**:

Saltmarket, London Road, Bain Street, Gallowgate, High Street, George Street, Montrose Street, Ingram Street, Candleriggs and Bell Street, where the parade will disperse at the Family Day celebrations in  Merchant Square 

where the activities will continue until 5pm.

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Full details on the parade can be found here

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****The parade route has been amended from he previously communicated route and the following statement has been issued regarding the amendment.****

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In light of the devastating fire on Union Street in Glasgow City Centre, the organisers of the Glasgow St Patrick’s Festival Parade 2026 have taken the decision, in consultation with parade participants and statutory partners, to change the planned route for this year’s event.

We recognise that the recent fire has had a significant impact on the city centre, including ongoing road closures, surrounding road works, and substantially increased traffic congestion.
 

Out of respect for the seriousness of the incident and the ongoing response and recovery efforts, we believe it would not be appropriate to add the additional pressures that a large-scale parade brings to city centre traffic management at this time.

For that reason, and following constructive discussions with our partners, we have proposed a revised parade route that avoids the affected area while ensuring the celebration can still go ahead safely and respectfully.
 

This year’s festival theme celebrates the history and contribution of Irish immigration to Glasgow and Scotland. It therefore feels particularly fitting that the revised parade will travel through areas strongly associated with Glasgow’s Irish heritage.

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While the route may have changed, the spirit and purpose of the Glasgow St Patrick’s Festival Parade remain the same: to celebrate Irish culture, community and the enduring connections between Ireland, Glasgow and Scotland.

We look forward to welcoming participants, especially our visitors travelling all the way from West Donegal, and spectators to join us in celebrating this important part of Glasgow’s shared heritage.

Glasgow St Patrick Parade and Festival 2026

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