Sandwell's St George's Day Parade has been quite controversial in recent years. It was started by local residents with perfectly good intentions, but in some quarters it was thought to attract some of the more undesirable nationalist elements (or let's not beat about the bush... fascists). However, prompted by Tom Watson amongst others, the Council decided to embrace the event and even to assist with the organisation. Last year Nick Griffin and his friends turned up, did a TV soundbite, plastered their presence on their website, and caused great offence to many who resented their attempt to hijack the event.

The Council considered whether we should continue to be involved as the potential for trouble and possible counter 'interference' by other groups could have resulted in a family day out turning nasty. Well, it was decided that we should try again, and at the end of the parade their will once again be an event in Dartmouth Park in West Bromwich, apparently with a medieval theme.

Let's hope it passes off peacefully and that residents can enjoy their day without politicians trying to disrupt it or make a political day out of it. Although I can't imagine the prospect of being serenaded by "singing plague victims" will be a major crowd puller somehow.

(photo via Tom)