In a historic move, the St Patrick’s Day parade in New York City is to allow a group of gay employees from NBC to march next year.

The Irish Examiner reports that the compromise was forged by Parade committee members and a senior executive at NBC.

NBC, who broadcast the St. Patrick’s Day parade every year, was prepared to drop its coverage unless a compromise was brokered over the exclusion of gay banners in the march.

Guinness' withdrawal as sponsors of the parade last year was also seen as a major factor in the change.

According to reports, it is unknown whether this will mean a more widespread gay presence next year.