Organisers defiant as first St Patrick's Day Parade takes place without council funding

Organisers of the St Patrick's Day Parade in Birmingham say they are determined to make this year's event the biggest so far, despite it being the first one to take place without any council funding at all.

The parade in Digbeth turns the streets Emerald green, with this year's theme being the 'Irish Phoenix rising from the flames of diaspora.'

This year is a special one for the parade, as it marks 100 years since Ireland's independence, and also the 21st anniversary since the St. Patrick's Day Parade was brought back to the streets of the city.

Birmingham City Council said it regretted having to withdraw funding, and praised the organisers for their continued efforts.