This years St. Patrick's Day Parade and Festival proceedings, in Birmingham, begins with a civic reception Launch Party on Friday March 6, taking place at The Macdonald Burlington Hotel, in the city.

Guests will enjoy a sumptuous meal followed by live traditional Irish entertainment, and dancing to get people in the mood for the big day.

The 2015 Parade will be on Sunday March 15 with this year's theme being Irish contribution to Birmingham's Development.

'The Reel' which showcases Irish Traditional Music and Dance will be In Edgbaston Street in the Markets Area of The Bull Ring on Saturday March 7.

As with tradition, The Festival launch will have entertainment which includes Irish dancers, traditional Irish music  and dancing and a sumptuous buffet of traditional fayre. More details to follow.

The following week leading up to the Parade will see a host of events across the city celebrating Irish Heritage and Culture.

St. Patrick's Day marks the anniversary of the death of Ireland’s patron saint and has evolved into a general celebration of Irish culture.

Birmingham has the UK’s only Irish Quarter, centred on Digbeth.