The highlight of all the events in the calender of St. Mary's must be the Annual Donkey Derby and Family Fun Day. Usually held on the first Sunday in July it takes approximately six months to organise and prepare.

Always opened by a famous personality it attracts people from all over Harborne and outlying districts to its mix of fun events and entertainments. Adults and children are catered for in many respects. Apart from the Donkey Races and on-course betting there are many stalls and sideshows including face painting, a magic show, balloon modelling, bouncy castles donkey rides and a BBQ.

For the adults there is Irish Coffee and a beer tent; and for everyone there is a B-B-Q, drinks, refreshments, ice creams and a huge Bottle Stall. Entertainments in the main arena often include dancing and music and other presentations which differ from year to year.

Sponsors support the jockeys, the programme and advertising, as well as some of the Raffle Prizes. The proceeds are split 50/50 between the Little Sisters of the Poor, Queens Park Road, Harborne, and St. Mary's Parish.

We are always in need of [YOUNG] people who can help us to organise this tremendous event and are always on the lookout for gifted and talented persons who can devote some time on the day, and/or months leading up to it, to continue to make this wonderful day a memorable one for the children and adults alike. Please contact us if you can help us in any way, we always have a job for you to do!