It’s coming back! The St Patrick's Day parade is set to return after a three-year hiatus next year, and I wanted to use my column this month to congratulate and thank everyone at the Birmingham Irish Association for making it happen.

I promised back in March that I would support Maurice Malone and the team at the BIA in their efforts to get the parade back, and I’m delighted that it’s happening.

We all know that the Covid-19 pandemic - followed by the roadworks in Digbeth - meant this hugely popular event, which attracted about 80,000 people, has not been held since 2019.

The Birmingham parade dates back to 1952, was one of the first in Britain and, for a time, and was reckoned at one point to be the third biggest in the world.

The returning parade is being supported by Pairc Festival next year, which is a celebration of Irish music and culture, and will launch its 2024 event on the same day.

The Parade is not only a hugely important calendar date for our Irish community, but also one of those brilliant, iconic events that illustrate the real cultural diversity and unity of the city and our region.

Now, the planning and organising starts. The event will take place on St Patrick's Day itself, 17 March, and be accompanied by a festival and concerts, with artists including Keith Duffy, Brian McFadden and Nathan Carter performing across the weekend.

After the huge success of the Commonwealth Games, Birmingham is attracting more and more visitors. The welcome return of the St Patrick’s Day Parade to our annual calendar of events provides another vibrant, colourful attraction that shows off the city at its very best.

I know that the BIA will be working hard already to organise a memorable Parade, which will once again see thousands take to the streets to celebrate this very special day for our Irish community. I can’t wait to join in the celebrations.

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