No one in the country can throw a St Patrick’s Day Parade like they do in Birmingham – few in the world either! At its peak, over 80,000 people used to attend – making it the third biggest St Patrick’s Parade in the world – but March hasn’t been as green in recent years. First, COVID came, then came the roadworks, and for the last four years, there’s been no parade in Brum.
Pour a Guinness and don some of your greenest garbs, Birmingham’s St Patrick’s Day Parade will return on Sunday, March 17, 2024. Painting the streets of Digbeth green once more, this year is especially significant as the parade will not only happen St Patrick’s Day itself, but also mark the 50th parade since its inception back in 1952.
When does the St Patrick’s Day Parade in Birmingham start?
Now under the new control of the Birmingham Irish Association, festivities begin on Friday, March 15, at the Council House. Teaming up with the Irish Post, local businesses, stakeholders, Embassy officials, and representatives from the Birmingham Irish community will come together for a civic reception. But the much-anticipated Birmingham St. Patrick’s Parade kicks off on Sunday at 12pm.
This year, the theme is ‘Irish Myths and Legends’ as a procession of floats and walking groups travel the two-hour route. Starting in Digbeth, this cross-cultural celebration will see the parade also joined by Samba bands, the Chinese Community Centre and local Birmingham Irish dancing schools to celebrate the parade’s golden anniversary.
“It’s an honour to carry forward the legacy of the Birmingham St. Patrick’s Parade,” said Maurice Malone, a representative from Birmingham Irish Association. “This year, as we delve into ‘Irish Myths and Legends,’ we celebrate not only the stories of our past but also the collective spirit and future of our community.”
We’re incredibly thankful for the support from local businesses and organisations like Tourism Ireland, Dandara, Corbally Group, Armac Group, RMD Kwikform, Birmingham City Council and The Clayton Hotel, whose contributions have been crucial in supporting the return of the parade.”
Who will be in the Parade?
The St Patrick’s Day Parade will consist of: Birmingham Irish Association Ramblers Group, County Flag Bearers, Pat Benson Boxing Academy, Bishop Challoner Catholic College, Samba bands, All Irish dancing schools around the city, The Chinese Community Centre (providing the dragon), The West Midlands Peaky Blinder Group, Birmingham Irish Heritage Group, Midland Vintage Scooters, West Midlands Fire Service Float & Pipe Band, GAA Clubs, Vintage Tractors, Archbishop Ilsley Catholic School and South and City College (who donated a bus to the parade for any participants that are unable to walk the route).
Plus, school groups, including Bishop Challoner Catholic College, Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Primary School, SS John and Monica Catholic Primary School, St Alban’s Catholic Primary School, St Anne’s Catholic Primary School, St Bernard’s Catholic Primary School, St Catherine of Siena Catholic Primary School, St Dunstan’s Catholic Primary School, St Edward’s Catholic Primary School, St Jude’s Catholic Primary School, St Martin de Porres Catholic Primary School and St Mary’s Catholic Primary School.
To learn more about Birmingham’s St Patrick’s Day Parade head here.
Is there an afterparty?
Coming to an end around 2pm, festivities will continue in venues across Digbeth. Páirc Festival will bring Páirc at the Parade to Luna Springs – with organisers promising an atmosphere akin to their summer festival. Headliner Nathan Carter will be supported by Ceol, LAMPA, The Fathers Teds, One For The Road, plus live DJ sets and street food. Tickets are £25 and be bought here.