St. Patrick Day celebrations in the city are taking place in a different way this year, with the traditional parade cancelled. However, the spirits in Birmingham’s Irish Quarter have not diminished. Preparations are in full swing for a grand event on March 17 dedicated to Ireland’s rich culture and its patron saint.
The list of colorful events in Digbeth is long—live music, traditional dancing, Irish language classes, whisky tastings, Guinness masterclasses, and most importantly, a gala night called the “Green Tie Ball.”.
Parade organizers made it clear that it was not possible to hold a safe and grand parade with the resources available this year. The tradition, which dates back to 1952, made a comeback last year after a five-year hiatus, but this time it has been decided to celebrate the festival in a new way.
The world has gone green for St Patrick's Day! ☘️☘️
— Discover Ireland (@GoToIreland) March 16, 2018
Join in the festivities on March 17th! #StPatricksDay pic.twitter.com/G5rRFOCOMR
St Patrick Day parade cancelled in Birmingham, organisers express disappointment
Maurice Malone, chief executive of the Birmingham Irish Association and head of the organizing team, announced that this year’s parade had been cancelled “with a heavy heart.”. The decision was not easy for the organizers, as the festival holds a special place in the community. Malone further said that they considered all possibilities but ultimately had to take this step due to security and financial limitations.
He said, “Despite the tireless hard work and dedication of our volunteers, partners, and supporters, it was not possible to bridge the gap between available resources and the requirements of a safe, successful parade.” After several meetings, the organizing team concluded that the best decision would be to postpone it this year. The St. Patrick Day parade is not just an event but an integral part of the city’s cultural heritage.
This grand parade has once attracted more than 80,000 spectators and is considered one of the three largest St. Patrick Day events in the world. The importance of this parade is felt not only in the local community but also internationally. Thousands of people used to come to Birmingham to watch it every year, which also brought huge benefits to tourism and local businesses.
The parade was cancelled for the first time in 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic. After this, it could not be held again due to road construction and redevelopment works. Over the years, many businesses and local organizations tried to do their part to support its revival, but challenges persisted. The absence of this event is certainly disappointing for the Irish community of Birmingham, but they are still committed to celebrating this day in their traditional way.
The global celebration of St. Patrick's Day is just ONE month away and we're so excited for all the festivities, right here on the island of Ireland.
— Discover Ireland (@DiscoverIreland) February 17, 2025
Have you started planning where you'll spend your St. Patrick's Day trip yet? ☘️☘️☘️☘️@stpatricksfest pic.twitter.com/r0aAsODcDE
St Patrick Day Celebrations in Birmingham’s Irish Quarter
Peter Connolly, owner of Nortons Digbeth, announces grand events
Peter Connolly, owner of Nortons Digbeth in Birmingham, is gearing up to make this year’s St. Patrick’s Day special. The 10-day extravaganza will feature a number of events, including music and dance performances. The event will be a great opportunity for the community to not only be entertained but also connect with cultural heritage.
A major celebration in the Birmingham Irish calendar
“Our annual St Patrick’s Day celebration has become a favourite in the Birmingham Irish calendar,” said Connolly. Every year, a huge number of people attend and celebrate with great enthusiasm. The event has attracted not only locals but also visitors from around the world.
Open doors to everyone, celebrating culture and heritage
“Our doors are open to everyone, and we are looking forward to inviting people in,” he added. The festival will be a great opportunity to explore and celebrate Irish culture, heritage, hospitality and identity. The organisers aim to connect as many people as possible to this vibrant and colourful tradition.
Digital and printed maps to help tourists
Several hospitality venues have pledged support for the Birmingham Irish Quarter St Patrick’s Day campaign. The organizers have announced that they will launch a digital and printed map for visitors, allowing them to easily find information about all the major events and attractions. This initiative will make the visitor experience even easier and more enjoyable.
