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UPDATE: This year's event has now been postponed - read the full story here

Birmingham's annual St Patrick's Day Parade is to go ahead this weekend despite concerns over coronavirus.

The event has become the third largest St Patrick's Day parade in the world, behind New York and Dublin.

Both those other parades have this year been axed amid fears over the spread of COVID-19 at large gatherings.

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(Image: Birmingham Mail)

But organisers of Birmingham's procession - taking place on Sunday March 15, two days ahead of St Patrick's Day itself - are committed to proceeding with the 2020 event.

They said there were "extra efforts to put in place every necessary procedure to ensure that the festival and parade remains a safe space."

It had looked like this year's parade might be cancelled after the headline sponsor who has provided the main funding for the past three years decided not to continue doing so this year.

But two new main sponsors stepped in to save the event.

In a statement the Birmingham St Patrick's Festival and Parade organising team said: "After the unfortunate news that our friends across Ireland have had to cancel their St Patrick’s celebrations, our very own organising team would like to address the current situation regarding the threat of coronavirus.

"Amid such an uncertain year for our celebrations in Birmingham, the thought of having to cancel the festival and parade, after such a tremendous effort from our sponsors, supporters, the local community and the 2020 organising team, is a horrible one indeed.

"The health and safety of our visitors is our number one priority, this is not a decision we are taking lightly, we have been working closely with the local authorities and seeking their advice on the matter.

"As it currently stands, we are thrilled that the scheduled event is still set to take place as planned and we look forward to welcoming you all to The Birmingham St Patrick’s Parade in partnership with Chasetown Civil Engineers and Court Collaboration on Sunday 15th March.

"We will continue to closely monitor the situation as we have been already, not to mention making extra efforts to put in place every necessary procedure to ensure that the festival and parade remains a safe space for all of our attendees.

"While we hope that you’re as excited as we are about the weekend ahead, please make safe decisions and put both your health and the safety of those around you first. If you’re experiencing any of the symptoms associated with coronavirus, it’s important that you follow the medical advice given by the World Health Organisation."

Some other local events celebrating St Patrick's Day have been scrapped however.

They include a concert at The Old Crown on Saturday March 14 by traditional Irish band Goats Don't Shave.

They had been set to perform during the Six Nations Rugby Super Saturday - but the Six Nations matches have been postponed due to coronavirus.

Since forming in a pub in 1990, Goats Don’t Shave are one of the biggest bands Ireland have ever produced, with five top singles, including fan favourite Las Vegas In The Hills of Donegal.

All ticket money from the gig was to have gone towards the St Patrick’s fundraiser , which is appealing for money to save the annual parade and festival in Digbeth.

Other St Patrick's Day 2020 celebrations at The Old Crown are going ahead as planned.

A St Patrick's Night at the St Francis Irish Centre in Handsworth on March 17 has also been cancelled over coronavirus travel fears by the Irish acts booked to apper.