Today marks the 67th annual Birmingham St Patrick’s Festival – sponsored by Dig Brew, which is the world’s third largest St Patrick’s Day parade behind New York and Dublin.
With 90,000 people expected in and around the streets of Digbeth, the parade begins at midday, starting at Camp Hill Island.
St Patrick will lead the procession of organisations, including Samba bands, dance schools, sports teams and classic cars from High Street to St Martins Church.
There will also be live music from more than 50 musicians, including contemporary folk bands – with additional live music across Digbeth - recently described as ‘the heart of the Irish in Birmingham’ by Irish President Michael D Higgins - at partner venues including The Big Bull’s Head, The Old Crown, The Spotted Dog and The White Swan.
An Emerald village is available for the children to enjoy, featuring the Bob Wilson funfair a Formula 1 car simulator and a small petting zoo.
The chair of St Patrick’s Festival Birmingham, Peter Connolly, said: “The festival family has worked especially hard this year to ensure there’s something for everyone as part of the programme.
“Our St Pat Rocks offerings has gone from strength-to-strength since 2015, and we look forward to raising a glass to one of the greats of Irish Folk Music, Finbar Furey, today.
“The support from our community, from local and Irish businesses, and from the city we love and work in all help to keep this incredible civic event growing in size and ambition each year.”
