Parade will be biggest ever

A parade featuring around 1,000 people will weave through the town centre, which will be decked out in red and white for the event on April 25. It is hoped up to 20,000 revellers will attend the extravaganza.

The celebrations look set to be among the biggest in the region and comes after Sandwell Council threatened to axe its own annual parade over fears it was being hijacked by extremists.

Organisers said the plans were in their early stages but confirmed Walsall Council, Walsall Multifaith Forum, Walsall Housing Group, the markets and business leaders were involved in talks.

The parade will feature hundreds of scouts, cubs, brownies, community groups and musicians, who will make their way from all corners of the town and coverge on Gallery Square for a series of speeches and rendition of songs including Land of Hope and Glory.

Councillor Clive Ault, chairman of the St George's Day committee, said: "We want to get thousands out on the streets. It is going to be the biggest thing we have ever done in Walsall.

"It will be a chance for everyone, whatever their background, to stand shoulder to shoulder in the town and say they are proud to be English. This will be a bold statement against racism and include multi-faith groups from around the borough.

"Everything we have done before has been disjointed and this will bring everyone together for one big event which will be open to all."

Morris dancers, a cockney choir and entertainers from different cultures will perform on the day.

Any groups that can help out or want to get involved in Walsall's celebrations can call 01922 684012 or 07931 204525.