The Spring Knitting and Stitching Show at Olympia

Discover the reasons why crafts have become so popular at the Knitting and Stitching Show, which celebrates all things textile. Anyone with an interest in making their own clothes, gifts or other items will love the extensive range of stalls, which sell everything you need to perfect your creations. There are also helpful workshops, daily fashion shows and the chance to meet renowned designers and authors. Adult tickets are £15. 14-17 Mar

Maslenitsa Russian Festival in Trafalgar Square

Enjoy a lively celebration of Russian culture in Trafalgar Square this weekend, as the Maslenitsa festival celebrates the end of winter. Families can enjoy live music, dance and theatre performances, as well as a special marquee for children. Stalls will dotted around the square, selling everything from traditional handicrafts to Russian culinary specialties such as blini. The event starts at 1.30pm and entry is free.  16 Mar

HMS Belfast’s 75th Birthday Bash

Launched in 1938 on St Patrick’s Day, HMS Belfast was the largest and most powerful cruiser in the Royal Navy for many years. You can explore her rich history and pay tribute to her distinguished past at this special birthday celebration, at which you can meet veterans, see simulated gun firing and take part in a range of special family activities. Admission to the celebration is included in the ticket price, which costs £14.50 for adults. 16-17 Mar

St Patrick’s Day, Various Venues

Join in the fun as London turns green to celebrate St Patrick’s Day. St Patrick is the patron saint of Ireland, and most Irish pubs and restaurants around the capital will host special events and menus in honour of the occasion. A highlight of the day will be the St Patrick’s Day parade, which sets off from Green Park  towards Whitehall at 12pm and contains a colourful variety of floats and participants – don’t miss the giant inflatable dragon designed by Keith Payne, who has worked with renowned rock groups such as the Rolling Stones. There is also a lively St Patrick’s Day celebration in Trafalgar Square, which features traditional Irish entertainment, a comedy tent and a food market. 17 Mar

The 27th London Lesbian and Gay Film Festival at BFI Southbank

This year’s London Lesbian and Gay Film Festival has a bigger programme than ever before, featuring a diverse selection of films divided into ‘hearts’ ‘bodies’ and ‘minds’ categories. You can watch feature films, shorts, documentaries and archive classics, as well as attend special club nights at weekends. Many films are being premiered at the festival, which kicks off with a gala showing of ‘I Am Divine’  on Friday night. See the festival website for full programme details and ticket prices. 14-24 Mar

• Catch Brent’s St Patrick’s Day Parade from 4pm at Willesden Green Tube, followed by Irish folk dancing, music, a market and children’s activities. Willesden Green Library, 17 Mar
• See Irish dance superstars Up & Over It as they present an alternative St Patrick’s Day celebration at the Hackney Empire. Enjoy an electro-pop ceili after the show. 18 Mar
• Feast on Irish smoked salmon courtesy of Irish artisan smoker Frank Hederman at Selfridges (10am-5pm) and the Wright Brothers Soho Oyster House (5-7pm). Talks and tastings, 17 Mar
• Party in The City with Irish pies and half-price Guinness at Agenda bar. 17 Mar (half price St Patricks drinks until 9pm).
• Hear the sounds of Ireland as St Martin-in-the-Fields mark St Patrick’s Day with a programme celebrating Irish music. 17 Mar
• Sip on a Jameson Irish Mule cocktail at Zigfrid von Underbelly in Shoreditch, plus DJs and Irish dancers, 17 Mar
• Have a drink in one of London’s best Irish bars (and tell us whether you agree with our choices).

How are you celebrating St Patricks day? Let us know in the comments below.

Following a hugely successful St Patrick’s Day parade on Sunday, London is fully into its St Patrick’s Day celebrations.

More than 100,000 revellers headed to Trafalgar Square to watch the Mayor of London’s St Patrick’s Day Parade, which included marching bands, dance groups, and a giant St Patrick and the Snake pageant.

But there’s more to come. Not only are many of London’s pubs and bars celebrating St Patrick’s Day this month, but various restaurants are also marking the occasion.

Or you can head to Brent for a St Patricks’ Day parade on Wednesday, as well as storytelling, music and Irish dancing.

If you’re looking for some suitable music to help you celebrate the patron saint of Ireland, try one of the following:

• Cara Dillon at Jubilee Park
• Irish Mist at Willesden Green Library
• St Patrick’s Day at the 100 Club
• St Patrick’s Day special at The Boogaloo in North London

Let us know what you’re up to this week to mark Lá Fhéile Pádraig…