Sign at Joe Kool’s wishing everyone a happy St. Patrick’s Day. (Michelle Both/CBC London)
A sea of green-clad party-goers flooded downtown London Friday for St. Patrick’s Day celebrations. The shimmery shamrocks were on full display and the Guinness taps were being pulled on repeat.
Here’s a look at the 2023 St. Patrick’s Day celebrations in London.
Western University students and pets were also out enjoying the day on Broughdale Avenue. (Colin Butler/ CBC News)
Celtic folk group, The Sheridan Band, perform at Molly Bloom’s Friday for a lively St. Patrick’s Day crowd. (Michelle Both/CBC)
Sarvika Desai is joining in the St. Patrick’s Day fun after moving to London one month ago. She was skeptical of green beer at first, but said it tastes just the same. (Michelle Both/CBC)
Servers at Molly Bloom’s kept the beer flowing for the green-clad crowds. (Michelle Both/CBC)
Jamie Baldwin of Grand Bend plays electric fiddle at Joe Kool’s on Friday afternoon dressed in green plaid suspenders and a sparkly green hat. He said he loves the atmosphere here on St. Patrick’s Day. (Michelle Both/CBC London)
London Police Service increased patrols on St. Patrick’s Day, including on Broughdale Ave, next to Western University. (Colin Butler/ CBC News)
Western University students Isabelle Ross and Taya Simons were decked out in green on their way to Chuck’s Roadhouse along Richmond Row in London. (Michelle Both/CBC)
Green hats were the fashion item of choice for this group out for St. Patrick’s Day in downtown London. (Michelle Both/CBC)
Eager to start St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, Western University students Meaghan Churchill and Caroline Jones lined up outside Joe Kool’s when doors opened at 11 a.m. to enjoy some green beer and snacks. (Michelle Both/CBC London)
Three friends getting ready to enjoy a night out in London, Ont. dressed in classic green. (Michelle Both/ CBC News)
Kaitlyn Crombeen, third-year Western student, bought her St. Patrick’s Day socks in first-year and has worn them every year since. She was heading home from a frat party Friday afternoon on Richmond Row. (Michelle Both/CBC London)
Cris Cervoni, the general manager of Joe Kool’s, and owner, Mike Smith, are decked out in their St. Patrick’s Day gear. Smith wore his go-to St. Patrick’s Day outfit — a shamrock tie he bought 35 years ago and a pastel green suit he’s had for about 10 years. (Michelle Both/CBC London)
Kevin Routley and Bev Galati came out to Molly Bloom’s Irish Pub with a group in honour of their loved one, John Harkins, who died in February. Routley said came with Harkins to Molly Bloom’s every St. Patrick’s Day for about 15 years. (Michelle Both/CBC)
Smiles, green clothing and green beer were seen at pubs and restaurants across London Friday. This group enjoys a drink at Molly Bloom’s. (Michelle Both/CBC)
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Michelle Both is a reporter for CBC London. She holds a master’s degree in journalism and communication from Western University. You can reach her at [email protected] or on Twitter at @michellelboth.
