St. Patricks day celebrations, March 17th
With a view to making allowances for as many visitors as possible, the authorities in London are setting in place specific measures along the route for disabled access. The march itself will have for your viewing, amongst others, marching bands, dance troupes and floats. Access for many will be available at Trafalgar Square, where the festival will have its main focal point.
The parade route will have as much provision as possible for those in wheelchairs or mobility scooters. The route itself runs through central London from Hyde Park to Trafalgar Square. Your options are multi-faceted as there will be points all the way along the course allowing freedom to join or leave. There will also be help throughout with assistance from trained staff.
If you have decided to, once you have arrived at the party in Trafalgar Square, there will be a dedicated area designed to facilitate those with mobility issues and those who find crowds difficult. It is situated at the north terrace of the Square itself. There will be chairs there for companions of those requiring assistance.
The main entrance for those seeking accessibility will be on Pall Mall East. For those with hearing impairment, hearing loop facilities will be available in the areas designated for disabled access. Sign language interpreters will be available during the spoken word performances on the main stage.
There will also be a Mobiloo toilet facility available at the site, where a hoist and changing table can be employed. Bring your own sling if this is appropriate and necessary.
Assistance dogs can be accommodated throughout the day, along the route or in the Square, and those in need for ear protection, defenders will be available, where required.
Disabled accessibility information for the festival will be available on the Mayor of London’s Website.
Chinese New Year celebrations 2026
Specific access will depend on what part of the celebrations you are attending. The Greenwich Lunar Fair, which will take place on Feb 7th, will be advertised as completely accessible, with workshops available and stage performances on view.
The Lunar Fair is described as free, family-friendly and totally accessible. There will be arts and crafts workshops and festival refreshments at all areas. This specific area will be somewhat less crowded and would suit those who prefer it slightly less congested. It is advertised as being more controlled too.
For the Chinese New Year parade, which will take place over the 21st and 22nd February, there will be viewing points, along the route, with no steps, for watching events unfold. This will include dragons and floats.
You can expect help with accessibility for the main celebrations in Trafalgar Square and Chinatown with an access guide, showing a map of the event layout, being made available. Chinatown will be pedestrianised allowing step-free access, and Trafalgar Square will be fully accessible via road closures, including viewing areas for those less advantaged.
Bear in mind that these events can become very congested and any amount of information you can gain beforehand will be beneficial.
