West Bromwich St George's Parade cancelled as organisers step down
West Bromwich's famous St George's Parade, which attracted 10,000 people in its heyday, has been cancelled for good, say organisers.
Stone Cross St George's Parade, believed to be one of the biggest in England, was due to mark its 23rd year in 2020.
Organisers say they are stepping down and will not be helping stage the annual event.
In a message on the event's Facebook page, they said the decision, which has left them heartbroken, was made due to ill health, old age and work commitments.
It comes after the event looked certain to be cancelled last year due to spiralling costs, but Sandwell Council stepped in to save the day.
But now the parade, which was due to celebrate its 23rd year this year, will be cancelled for good.
It is unclear if the event could continue if new organisers are found.
The parade usually sees hundreds of people gather at Westminster Road before heading toward Dartmouth Park.
A statement, posted on Facebook, said: "We at Stone Cross St George would like to thank everyone who has been involved, attended or just liked our media posts, but after decades as the greatest St George's Day Parade in England we have decided to finish the parade.
"There will be no parade organised by us this year or in the future.
"There are three of us who have done this for years and due to ill health, in some cases old age and work commitments, we can't commit to put the hours in it takes to organise this.
"I hope everyone can understand and please don't phone us asking us to re-think.
"We have not taken this decision lightly and it breaks our hearts, but sometimes things just run their course.
"I hope you all enjoyed the parades and I'm sure you would join in the thanks to parade founder Mark Cowles, Mark and Lynne Whitehouse, for all their hard work and dedication to this great country we are all lucky to live in – for England and St George."
