Hundreds defy major warnings to attend huge St George's Day parade

Jack Walters
Sun, 26 Apr 2026 20:02:56 +0000

Hundreds of motorcycles and vintage vehicles have descended on Solihull today for what organisers have dubbed the world's largest St George's Day parade.

The Outlaws bikers' group staged the celebration in Shirley, Birmingham, honouring England's patron saint with a 3.5-mile procession through the streets.

Participants gathered at the Saracen's Head Pub from 3pm before the convoy set off along Stratford Road.

The route passed through Poppy Island before finishing in Henley-in-Arden, with the parade scheduled to run from 5pm until 8pm.

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Both British and American classic cars joined the motorcycle contingent travelling the route.

Organisers had warned of significant traffic disruption along Stratford Road and the surrounding Shirley area between 5.45pm and 7.30pm.

"Long delays are expected along the Stratford Road and around Shirley from 5.45pm-7.30pm," they said in advance of today's event.

"If you're not taking part in the Parade please find an alternative route. World's Largest St Georges Day Parade, Celebrating our 22nd anniversary."

Volunteers erected 450 Union flags on lampposts stretching from Stratford Road to Henley-in-Arden in preparation for the event, alongside two enormous 30ft St George flags.

Ryan Bridge from Raise the Colours told the Express the display would be "unbelievable" and "absolutely amazing," noting that helpers from Shrewsbury, Oxford and Liverpool had assisted with the installation.

The group worked with three cherry pickers until midnight each night during the preceding week to complete the decorations.
"We do both sides of the road, so it's seven miles of flags," Mr Bridge said.

Organisers anticipated approximately 2,000 attendees for the occasion, which marked the parade's 22nd anniversary.

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Ian Michael noted the event typically attracts around 1,000 vehicles, though this year's turnout could surpass that figure due to increased publicity.

The parade has drawn sharp criticism from anti-racist campaigners concerned about Raise the Colours' participation in the event.

A coalition comprising more than 20 organisations, including Birmingham Stand Up To Racism and several local Methodist churches, published an open letter expressing their anger at Ryan Bridge's involvement.

The groups warned that the presence of Raise the Colours risked creating division rather than fostering a genuine community celebration.

Mr Bridge was previously arrested in connection with religiously and racially aggravated harassment in Oxfordshire, prompting campaigners to urge parade organisers to distance themselves from the group.

Despite these objections and ongoing scrutiny of the organisation's activities, the procession proceeded as planned with organisers pledging a peaceful event.

Police maintained a visible presence throughout, monitoring the route while balancing celebratory rights against community concerns regarding public order.

Participant Jim Briggs, sporting a St George's cross painted on his face, spoke enthusiastically about the occasion.

"I'm here to enjoy this great St George's Day. I think it's fantastic," he said. "My heart's English. I'm English. England is a great country. We've always been the best."

Mr Briggs emphasised that flying the national flag was about personal connection rather than background or ethnicity.

"It's about heart. It's not where you live and where you're from. It's not about race. It's about where your heart is," he added.

Meanwhile, Ian Michael, who has considered himself patriotic for over four decades, expressed his conviction that St George's Day deserves bank holiday status.

"That's hopefully what will happen if Reform get in," he told The Express.