Irish parade returns on a milestone day in city centre
THE much-anticipated 50th St Patrick’s Day Parade returned to Birmingham after a four-year absence.
The celebration – billed as ‘like no other’ – brought the theme of ‘Irish myths and legends’ to life in Digbeth on Sunday.
A cross-cultural celebration saw the two-hour parade joined by Irish and Caribbean dancers and Welsh and Chinese dragons, as Samba bands, the Chinese Community Centre and local Birmingham Irish dancing schools came together to celebrate the parade’s golden anniversary as it returned to the spiritual home of the Irish in Birmingham.
Spectators also enjoyed a procession of floats from Midland Vintage Scooters, the West Midlands Fire Service Pipe Band and vintage tractors.
Walking groups included the Birmingham Irish Heritage Group, West Midlands Peaky Blinder Group, Pat Benson Boxing Academy and the Birmingham Irish Association Ramblers group, as well as a number of local schools.
The parade had not been seen since 2019 due to both Covid and a number of roadworks in the Digbeth area in recent years. This year was especially significant as it not only coincided with St Patrick’s Day itself, it marked the 50th parade since its inception in 1952.
The event is also under the new custodianship of Birmingham Irish Association, which described the resurgence of the parade as a “testament to the resilience and vibrancy of the community spirit”.
It added that this year’s event not only marked the return of the parade, it was a celebration of the enduring legacy and of the vibrant future ahead.
Maurice Malone, from the association, said: “It’s an honour to carry forward the legacy of the Birmingham St Patrick’s Parade. 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.”
A mass took place at St Anne’s Catholic Church on Alcester Street prior to the parade, which from midday to 2pm encompassed Bradford Street, near Camp Hill, in Digbeth, went past St Anne’s in the heart of the Irish Quarter and concluded at the junction of Rea Street. It also featured a special tribute in memory of Shane MacGowan, the frontman of The Pogues, who died of pneumonia aged 65 in Dublin last November. The Birmingham Irish Pipes & Drums and those taking part were due to sing Dirty Old Town in the legendary singer’s memory.