Mardi Gras celebrations to take over London’s Covent Garden this weekend

Mardi Gras celebrations are set to take over London this weekend as Covent Garden’s The Yard hosts live music and festivities.

Honouring the final day before Lent, while in the UK we know it as Pancake Day, in the US it is better known as Mardi Gras, which is French for Fat Tuesday.

The holiday was first brought to America by French settlers in the 18th Century when they founded New Orleans.

The Louisiana city has since become a central point of celebrations in the US as parades and festivities fill the streets.

Ahead of the official Mardi Gras on Tuesday (March 4), celebrations are set to take over London this Saturday (March 1).

Here’s everything you need to know about the London festivities, from performance times to where to find Mardi Gras inspired food.

Where will the London Mardi Gras celebrations in Covent Garden take place?

The festivities will be based at The Yards, which is a shopping and dining destination in the heart of Covent Garden.

Address: Martin's Courtyard, The Yards, 17 Slingsby Pl, London WC2E 9AB

What is the nearest Tube station to the London Mardi Gras celebrations in Covent Garden?

Covent Garden is the nearest station, which is accessible via the Piccadilly line.

Full live music schedule for London Mardi Gras celebrations in Covent Garden

The six-piece brass band, The Fallen Heroes, will be performing at the Covent Garden spot across the afternoon as part of the Mardi Gras celebrations.

Their performance times are listed below:

• 3pm – 3.45pm
• 4.15pm – 5pm
• 5.30pm – 6.15pm

The Yard’s Oriole to serve up Mardi Gras themed food and drinks

As part of the day, cocktail bar Oriole, which is located within the Covent Garden yards area, will serve up some themed drinks and foods.

From Gumbo and Pecan Pie to Vieux Carré and Sazerac cocktails there’s plenty to try while joining in the celebrations there.

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