Roads around Digbeth will be closed on Sunday as the city stages what has become one of the world’s largest St Patrick’s Day parades.

Digbeth High Street will be closed from Camp Hill roundabout to the Bullring from 6am, and surrounding roads will also be closed for the day. Local residents have been informed of road closures, but visitors are asked to be aware of barriers and diversions in operation.

Most roads will re-open at 4.30pm, although Cheapside and Lombard Street will remain closed until 7pm and part of Bradford Street will remain closed until 8pm. Visitors to this year’s parade are asked to use public transport wherever possible to ease congestion, or to use car parks well outside of the exclusion zone.

Motorists are also warned to be on their guard against the notorious wheel clampers who are rife in the area. These operate on private land in Digbeth and there are many sites where parking is prohibited. Visitors are asked to look out for signs warning of wheel clamping and vehicle towing as they may be high up or obscured. A council official warns “There is no such thing as a free parking space in the city centre.”

West Midlands Police have also advised that they will be on hand to ensure the parade goes off without a hitch. They will be enforcing the alcohol exclusion zone in the area for the duration of the parade and subsequent celebrations, and have advised that people bringing their own alcohol onto the site will have it confiscated.

For more information on the festival call 0121 565 1049 or go to www.stpatricksbirmingham.com