This year’s theme will be the ‘Irish Phoenix rising from the flames of diaspora,’ designed to explore the journey, and celebrate the Irish spirit throughout the years. The Phoenix has long been associated with fresh beginnings, continually morphing and re-morphing, a belief that the end is only the beginning, and is a fitting theme given that this will be the first year the parade will be staged without financial support from Birmingham City Council.

The Birmingham St Patrick’s Parade is a long-standing tradition in the city, dating back to 1952, and is now recognised as the third largest in the world. Next year’s event will an extra special celebration, marking Ireland’s centenary and 21 years since it restarted in 1996. The parade will take place on Sunday 13th March 2016.

The council public event cuts will result in the organising committee having to find funding for the essential services needed to meet health and safety requirements including; road closures, barriers on the parade route, street cleaning, toilets, bins, First Aid provisions and security. Although the Birmingham St Patrick’s committee have ensured that the parade will not be affected by financial cuts this year, if the Irish community wishes it to continue they need to give their support.

Just one of the many initiatives the organising committee hope to secure funding is through the sale of tickets for the launch party, taking place at the Macdonald Burlington, March 4th 2016. The evening will kick off the city’s celebration of Irish culture and heritage, and will bring an evening of traditional music and entertainment from the likes of The Holy Show Band, plus a two course meal. With all proceeds going back into ensuring the St. Patrick’s Day Parade’s future is secure, tickets are available to buy now from the Spotted Dog in Digbeth or online here at www.stpatricksbirmingham.com website.

Although the festival committee responsible for organising the parade will ensure there is a celebration in 2016, they still need your support more than ever, as Anne Tighe, Chair of the organising team explains: “Losing the financial support from Birmingham City Council is a devastating blow for community events like ours and we’re deeply saddened about the impact that this could have on the community. We are thrilled to have been able to offer a celebration of Irish heritage and culture each year with the Birmingham St Patrick’s Day Parade and we hope to continue to do so.

“It means so much to so many which is why we are calling on our supporters to help in any way they can to keep the parade alive.”