Text and picture by Agatha Kempf
As coronavirus spreads and St. Patrick’s day is approaching, people may be a bit concerned as to what will happen with the annual events celebrating the Irish festival.
Dublin has already cancelled its annual parade to tackle the spreading of the virus, which could be fatal for the local economy, as more than 500,000 people travel every year to attend the festivities.
In London however, things seem to be different. Although the fear of the virus is present, venues are not planning just yet on cancelling any events.
MacDonnell John, assistant manager at the Flynn’s Public House pub on Holloway Road says: “We’re definitely not cancelling the event, we can’t afford to as the musicians are already booked. The bands are pretty expensive so we’re not gonna give them half the money for nothing, it’s too late at this stage.
“I don’t think it should be as busy as all the other years, definitely not. It will have a real impact. If you’re ill you won’t come out, so it’s up to the individual. Even if it’s St. Patrick’s day you don’t have to celebrate, your health comes first.”
The London Irish Centre is not planning on cancelling either, but Bill, a volunteer who did not want to give his surname, said that anything is possible. He said the Centre had not been advised to cancel their St. Patrick Night Special event on the 17th, nor their tea dance and music event taking place on the 14th.
“I personally don’t go to these events much anyway, with or without the virus, but I don’t think people will be turning up for St Patrick’s Day,” said Sandra, a full-time mum who also did not want to reveal her surname.
“Coronavirus will have a big impact on St. Patrick’s Day because of the fear of catching it.”
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