This year's Festival and Parade theme is “Spréach,” which is the Irish word for “spark.”

This year's parade is projected to draw over 500,000 spectators along its route, including over 4,000 participants, 18 pageants and performance showpieces, and 14 marching bands from France, North America, and Ireland.

The St. Patrick's Day celebration begins on Saturday, March 16.

“I couldn’t be more excited to be this year’s Grand Marshal and can’t thank the festival enough for asking me to be part of our biggest day,” said Kielty.

“I was quite shocked to receive the call, and it is such an honour to be invited.

“When you’re lucky enough to be called Patrick, St Patrick’s Day always feels like an extra birthday, and I can’t wait to get the world’s biggest party started on March 17th.”

Richard Tierney, the chief executive of the festival, expressed his excitement about Kielty leading the march this year and called him “someone who truly appreciates the spark of the Irish and who celebrates it through his work on our screens every Friday night.”

“An expert in entertainment, we’re sure he’ll be thrilled by the incredible talent that will be showcased across the city on March 17th,” said Mr. Tierney.