Latest news with #StPatrick'sParade
Yahoo
12-05-2025
- Yahoo
Carnival called off over public safety concerns
An annual carnival has had to be called off after a security review revealed more safety measures were needed. The Harborne Carnival had been due to take place on 22 June, but "elevated national threat levels" and "stringent new security requirements" mean it cannot go ahead, a spokesperson said. While no specific threat had been identified, recent incidents, including the Vancouver car attack, had demonstrated street festivals worldwide had become "increasingly vulnerable". Paul Burgess MBE, the carnival's chair, said the event was a highlight for the community, but public safety was a "top priority". The decision to cancel was made after organisers were asked in a consultation with with Birmingham City Council's Safety Advisory Group (SAG), West Midlands Police, and Home Office officials, how they would mitigate the risk of a major incident. The number of open side streets along the carnival route were identified as a concern and it was recommended that enhanced security barriers, increased stewarding, and additional access routes for emergency services were added. The event's spokesperson said: "After careful evaluation, carnival organisers concluded that it was impractical, both logistically and financially, to implement the necessary safety measures in time for this year's event." Earlier in the year the city's St Patrick's Parade was also cancelled. Mr Burgess said the decision had not been taken lightly. "We fully understand the disappointment this brings to families, traders, and partners who make the carnival a success each year," he said. But he said that safety was not an area it was "willing to compromise on". It had not been possible to implement the changes in time for this year's carnival, but attention had now turned to the 2026 event, Mr Burgess said. "We're actively exploring new locations and formats that can meet the latest safety guidance, while preserving the community spirit that makes the Harborne Carnival so special," he added. The carnival's spokesperson said all stallholders and participants who had already paid fees would be promptly refunded. Follow BBC Birmingham on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram. St Patrick's Day parade cancelled 'Fantastic turn out' for charity carnival Harborne Carnival
Yahoo
12-05-2025
- Yahoo
Carnival called off over public safety concerns
An annual carnival has had to be called off after a security review revealed more safety measures were needed. The Harborne Carnival had been due to take place on 22 June, but "elevated national threat levels" and "stringent new security requirements" mean it cannot go ahead, a spokesperson said. While no specific threat had been identified, recent incidents, including the Vancouver car attack, had demonstrated street festivals worldwide had become "increasingly vulnerable". Paul Burgess MBE, the carnival's chair, said the event was a highlight for the community, but public safety was a "top priority". The decision to cancel was made after organisers were asked in a consultation with with Birmingham City Council's Safety Advisory Group (SAG), West Midlands Police, and Home Office officials, how they would mitigate the risk of a major incident. The number of open side streets along the carnival route were identified as a concern and it was recommended that enhanced security barriers, increased stewarding, and additional access routes for emergency services were added. The event's spokesperson said: "After careful evaluation, carnival organisers concluded that it was impractical, both logistically and financially, to implement the necessary safety measures in time for this year's event." Earlier in the year the city's St Patrick's Parade was also cancelled. Mr Burgess said the decision had not been taken lightly. "We fully understand the disappointment this brings to families, traders, and partners who make the carnival a success each year," he said. But he said that safety was not an area it was "willing to compromise on". It had not been possible to implement the changes in time for this year's carnival, but attention had now turned to the 2026 event, Mr Burgess said. "We're actively exploring new locations and formats that can meet the latest safety guidance, while preserving the community spirit that makes the Harborne Carnival so special," he added. The carnival's spokesperson said all stallholders and participants who had already paid fees would be promptly refunded. Follow BBC Birmingham on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram. St Patrick's Day parade cancelled 'Fantastic turn out' for charity carnival Harborne Carnival
BBC News
21-03-2025
- BBC News
Ireland stop for St Patrick's Day group diverted amid Heathrow chaos
A group of friends who travelled to America to celebrate St Patrick's Day have now been forced to keep the party going in Ireland, after their flight was Europe's busiest airport, will be closed all day Friday due to the fire at a nearby electrical substation that supplies it with power, with more than 1,350 flights thought to be affected by the disruption. One of them was Steve Bruce's flight back from Boston, due to land at the airport on Friday morning. Steve and his friends, from Derby, had missed the St Patrick's Parade on 16 March they hoped to join, but ironically ended up in Ireland. Shortly before expecting to land at Heathrow, Steve said passengers were told they were being diverted to Shannon, Ireland. "An hour later we landed in Shannon and we sat on the ground for six hours - along with 12 flights from America. We just sat there waiting," he said. He added the airline and airport staff had been "fantastic", saying "they couldn't have done anymore". The group will have to wait until Saturday to fly home from the Irish village of Knock to East Midlands now, Steve said they were looking forward to a nice day out and to find a bar. "Well what do you do in Ireland when you've got 11 boys with you?" he said. "We're just going to have a day out. We're all shattered but we've just got to carry on now." Despite the disruption to the end of their trip, Steve said he and his friends had a "brilliant time".
Yahoo
21-02-2025
- Yahoo
The Mancunian Way: A campaign of abuse
After years of control, abuse, isolation, fear and horrific violence, Hannah Mellor is finally free. Last week, her abusive ex-partner, Ben Fitton, was finally brought to justice and jailed for 18 years. Hannah has now bravely waived her right to anonymity and told the Manchester Evening News about the unimaginable campaign of abuse she endured. READ MORE: Body found as fire breaks out at block of flats - live updates READ MORE: Man who died at Manchester Airport swallowed cocaine found in his underwear Fitton, 33, sent thousands of vile messages and voice notes to Hannah, repeatedly attacked her and would routinely throw cups of tea over her. He raped her after strangling her and threatening to pour a kettle of boiling water over her if she didn't perform a sex act upon him. But it was when Fitton made a terrifying threat to go to her little boy's school with a knife, that she knew she had to do something to make it stop. "It got to a point that I didn't care anymore," Hannah, 32, told the M.E.N.. "I said it wasn't a big issue if he killed me, because being killed was probably better than living the life I was. "I know it was hard, my mum told all my family to prepare themselves to have to bury me. She thought he was going to go too far or do it on purpose or I would take my own life. "She wasn't far off wrong." After a five-week trial, Fitton, of no fixed abode, was found guilty of two offences of rape, non-fatal strangulation, coercive and controlling behaviour and causing grievous bodily harm. You can read Hannah's harrowing interview with court reporter Amy Walker here. Weekend: There'll be sunny intervals on Saturday with highs of 13° before a yellow warning for wind comes into force on Sunday morning. It's also expected to rain all day. Trams: No trams will run through Victoria on Sunday until 10am. Work at Weaste continues until Tuesday, meaning there'll also be no trams between Eccles and MediaCityUK. Airport death: A man who died at Manchester Airport this week had swallowed what is believed to have been cocaine found in his underwear, the M.E.N. understands. More here. Homelessness cuts: Trafford council will only offer emergency accommodation to homeless people with a 'priority need' from now on. It comes amid 'unprecedented levels of homelessness' and a 'significant increase' in need for temporary housing. More here. Back in town: Manchester's St Patrick's Parade will return to the city centre for the first time in over four years. The procession will take place on Sunday, March 16. More here. What do you do when you can't afford to bury a loved one? That's the struggle one family from Fallowfield is currently facing. Susan Morton, 65, sadly passed away last month, but the mother-of-six's body remains at a funeral home. Find out why and read all about it here.
Yahoo
14-02-2025
- General
- Yahoo
St Patrick's Day parade cancelled
This year's St Patrick's Parade in Birmingham has been cancelled, the organisers have confirmed. It had been due to take place in Digbeth on 16 March. Maurice Malone, Chief Executive at Birmingham Irish Association and head of the organising team, said the decision had been taken "with a heavy heart". "This decision has not been made lightly, and we deeply regret any disappointment this may cause to our incredible community, participants, and supporters," he added. The event, which first took place in 1952, returned to the city last year for the first time in five years. It has previously been known to attract up to 80,000 people and has been thought to be one of the biggest St Patrick's Day events in the world. After the 2020 parade was called off because of the Covid pandemic, subsequent ones could not be held because of roadworks and regeneration in the area. Mr Malone said he was "immensely grateful" for the support shown by the thousands of people who had attended over the years. "Our primary goal has always been to deliver a safe, enjoyable, and memorable parade that celebrates the vibrant Irish community in Birmingham," he added. "However, safety is paramount, and as organisers, we are not prepared to compromise on this fundamental principle. Despite countless hours of planning and the unwavering dedication of our volunteers, partners, and supporters, the gap between what we can deliver with the resources and finances available and the requirements to host a safe and successful parade has proven too wide to bridge at this time. "We are committed to keeping the celebration of the parade alive in our city and look forward to celebrating with you all in the near future. "Together, we will keep the spirit of the Irish community alive in Birmingham." Follow BBC Birmingham on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram. St Patrick's Parade returns to 'traditional home' St Patrick's Day parade paints Birmingham green St Patrick's Parade back after five year absence St Patrick's Parade
