Birmingham police are issuing advice to anyone intending to enjoy St Patrick’s Day in Digbeth.
Police in Birmingham are encouraging those who join the city’s St Patrick’s Day celebrations to have a safe and enjoyable weekend.
Digbeth High Street is once again hosting celebrations for this year’s parade
on Sunday and local officers will be on hand to ensure the estimated 85,000 revellers taking part can do so in a safe and secure environment.
Police have been working with the event organisers, city council, licensees and other emergency services to prepare for the festivities and are today issuing the following advice for those attending the event:
– If arriving by car, drive safely and always park considerately.
– Make sure car windows and sunroofs are secured.
– Never leave valuables on show in cars.
– Be aware of personal belongings.
– Always make sure handbags are secured and never leave wallets in back pockets.
– If drinking, pace yourself and alternate alcoholic with soft drinks.
– Stay with your friends and pre-book a taxi home.
– Never be tempted to drink and drive.
Inspector Paul Dutton, responsible for policing in the Digbeth area, said: “As with any event we are issuing advice to revellers so that St Patrick’s Day is enjoyed by all those who join the celebrations. We want people to have a good time on Sunday and stay safe. Our officers will be out patrolling the area and available to deal with any concerns.”
Officers from across the force along with volunteer special constables will be supporting the Digbeth neighbourhood policing team. To help with the clear-up operation, bars will be operating a ‘lock-out’ for two hours from 4pm where access will be refused to anyone who is not inside by then. During this period, off-licences in the area will not be selling alcohol.
By doing this, officers hope to have Digbeth High Street open ready for the close of the shops in the city centre and the associated surge in traffic. To keep traffic disruption to a minimum, parade staff will be enforcing rolling road closures as the procession winds its way through the streets.
A route map, timings and other useful information can be found at: www.stpatricksbirmingham.com
For live updates on the day’s policing operation, follow @brumpolice on Twitter.