Vow to stage parade as fundraising starts

Organisers have vowed West Bromwich's St George's Day parade will return next year as they get ready to kick off a fundraising drive.

The event only went ahead in April this year after being saved by last-minute donations to cover a £10,000 funding hole after Sandwell Council withdrew its financial support.

It included a pledge of thousands of pounds from Chris Kelly from West Bromwich-based Keltruck. But Stone Cross St George Association has now launched its appeal for donations six months ahead of the celebration to ensure there are no late hitches.

The association will host its first fundraising event later this month and will stage more over the coming months but still wants to hear from benefactors who may be able to help.

The first fundraiser takes place on November 28 at Yew Tree Social Club and will feature music from local band The Yams, with tickets £5 and a raffle on the night.

Mark Cowles, from the association, said they were trying to raise as much of the money themselves but any donations would still be welcomed.

"On behalf of the Stone Cross St George Association and on behalf of the people who attended I want to thank Chris Kelly sincerely," he said.

"The door is left open for anybody who would like to help us. We had 20,000 people last year and the police were overwhelmed by their good behaviour. We want to work closely with the council and I have already been in touch saying we want to build bridges."

Tickets are available for the November 28 event from the Crown & Anchor pub in Hollyhedge Road, West Bromwich, or The Tiger in Walstead Road, Walsall.

Sandwell Council's cabinet member for safer communities Councillor Derek Rowley: "We will provide Stone Cross St George's Association with the same level of support as we did last year, with our public events staff and the Safety At Public Events Group making sure they have a safe parade."