St Patrick's Day parade paints Birmingham green

Large crowds welcomed Birmingham's St Patrick's Day parade back to the city on Sunday after a five-year absence.

Early morning rain and grey clouds gave way to spring sunshine as the celebration of Irish culture was held in Birmingham for the 50th time.

More than 40 walking groups, 30 floats, marching bands and a dance group from Bolivia were met by thousands of people on Bradford Street.

The parade also included a special tribute to The Pogues singer Shane MacGowan with a rendition of Dirty Old Town to mark his death last November.

Parade organiser Maurice Malone, from Birmingham Irish Association, said: "I’m over the moon, absolutely delighted that it's back.

"It's been away for too long and obviously with the pandemic things weren't happening - but it's back. It’s been a long journey to get to where it is.

"It’s the first time the Birmingham Irish Association has taken the parade on so we are the new custodians."

The parade fell on St Patrick's Day and was the culmination of months of planning, stretching back to last summer.

"We'd been involved in events before but nothing on this scale," said Mr Malone.

"It’s been quite a slog. Obviously the redevelopments in Digbeth have put quite a few obstacles in our way but we’ve overcome them.

"It’s the first time we’ve done the parade, it’s the 50th parade and it falls on St Patrick’s Day. Couldn’t have asked for more really - and it’s a chance to celebrate and showcase our community."

Follow BBC West Midlands on Facebook, X, and Instagram, Send your story ideas to: [email protected]