Photo of balloons by Pete Millington 2007
Update and information by Zoe ChamberlainParenting Editor of Whats On Birmingham
Birmingham's St Patrick's Day Parade is back and celebrating its 50th year. There will be dancing, confetti blasts, live music, Chinese dragons and a special tribute to former Pogues frontman Shane MacGowan.
Digbeth will become a sea of green as thousands are expected to attend the joyful event, especially as it will be the first time it has happened in four years. The parade has been known to attract 'up to 80,000 people' in the past, making it 'the third biggest St Patrick's Parade' in the world, just behind Dublin and New York at one point.
Today, we're bringing you everything you need to know to have a great day in Brum. Our guide includes the date, times, schedule, route map, road closures, parking and special events.
Read more: Birmingham's St Patrick’s Day Parade back for 2024 with special tribute to Shane MacGowan
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When is Birmingham's St Patrick's Day Parade?
The St Patrick's Parade takes place on Sunday, March 17 2024 in Digbeth. It will start at the top of Bradford Street at 12 noon and make its way down Bradford Street, reaching the junction with Rea Street at around 2pm.
- 10am: There will be mass at St Anne's Church where the service is expected to last around an hour
- 12 noon: The 2024 parade will set off from Bradford Street
- 12.45pm: Led by Birmingham Irish Pipes & Drums Band, the parade will halt at 12.45pm so that everyone can sing together 'Dirty Old Town' in memory of Shane MacGowan
- 2pm: The parade will end at the Rea Street junction of Bradford Street
Find out more via the St Patrick's Parade and the Birmingham Irish Association websites.
Are there any road closures?
Yes, Transport for West Midlands says that there will be road closures in Digbeth from early on Sunday March 17 to make way for the parade. National Express West Midlands bus services 2, 3, 4, 4A ,5, 6 and 50 will be subject to diversion from the start of service until the routes have re-opened. You can find detailed diversion routes here. The Diamond 50 bus service will also be following the dedicated diversion.
A TfWM spokesman said on its website: "Birmingham Irish Association are organising the parade which will travel along a route starting at Camp Hill, along Bradford Street and finishing at Rea Street in Digbeth. Road closures will be implemented along the above route as well as side roads from early morning. The parade sets off at 12:00 and is scheduled to end approximately at 14:00.
"Roads are likely to be reopened late afternoon, with normal traffic operations returning shortly after. It is important to note that there is the possibility of road closures being extended for longer than planned due to event delays, and those travelling in the area are advised to allow extra time for journeys."
It is also worth noting that buses currently replace trains between Shrewsbury and Wolverhampton due to repairs to a landslip so this may impact some onward services to Birmingham New Street with Avanti West Coast, Transport for Wales and West Midlands Railway. And a train replacement bus service will operate for the 08:57 Dorridge to Birmingham Snow Hill train on that day. The Metro will be running as normal. Check your journey via the Trainline here
Special events taking place during the St Patrick's Day Parade
The iconic Selfridges building has been lit green for the occasion in previous years and it is thought that both Selfridges and the Library of Birmingham will be illuminated for the 50th celebration.
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