A confetti blast at midday signalled the start of this Birmingham's St Patrick's Parade which this year took place on Sunday 12th March. It was set to be the biggest parade in the events history, and as expected was a mix of floats, music, puppetry and dance and ended with a scooter motorcade.
The annual parade in Digbeth celebrated all things Irish as well as the multiculturalism of Birmingham and is renowned for being one of the leading St Patrick's parades in the world.
Birmingham was the first city in Britain to hold a St Patrick's Parade in 1952 and ever since the event has continued to be popular in the city, and this year included the inaugural Emerald Mile which was held before the parade.
The parade started with flag bearers who this year were pageant winners and Irish dancers, followed by bagpipe players as it has traditionally, since the St Patrick's Festival moved to Digbeth.
The theme of this years parade was dance and along with Irish dancing other types of dance were featured in the Digbeth parade such as Smooth Moves Dance Academy.
A number of local and Irish bands also participated in this years parade including the Band of the West Midlands Fire Service.
Both traditional and contemporary Irish music was also heavily featured in this years parade whether from speakers or bands performing on floats to entertain over 80,000 people which the parade is predicted to attract to Digbeth each year.
The parade is also known for not only celebrating St Patrick's Day but, celebrating the multiculturalism in Birmingham. This was shown by traditional costume, dance and music and amongst other participators there was a Day of the Dead themed dance group, Caribbean dancers and a Chinese dragon. Local community groups were also involved in organising and participating in the the parade.
Local businesses in Digbeth along the parade route such as the Old Crown pub, joined in with festivities and featured live music throughout the evening. The St Patrick's Festival has resulted in a yearly increase in business in Digbeth, attracting a larger crowd annually. Many local businesses had their own floats in the parade, while others organised special events and live music for the public.
Zellig car park in Digbeth was also transformed into the St Pat Rock's Stage for the day, and was where live music was performed after the parade with Joe Broughton's Conservatoire Folk Ensemsble the first act on stage. Up and coming local artists played at The Emerald Village Stage which was based in Bradford Street car park.
