Thousands line streets to celebrate Town promotion

Why it matters: The bank holiday parade marked the end of an extraordinary four-year run that has seen Town win three promotions, and the first time in the club's history it has bounced straight back to the top flight after relegation.

The details: Two open-top buses carrying the squad, manager and coaching staff departed Portman Road at 11:30, travelling through the town centre before finishing at Christchurch Park, where big screens had been installed for fans to watch the parade live ahead of the players' arrival.

• Crowds gathered at Portman Road from well before the bus set off, with flags flying and songs being sung as families waited for a glimpse of the squad.
• Among those at the heart of the day's celebrations was Andrew, a 19-year-old participant in the Ipswich Town Foundation's Adult PAN Disability sessions, who presented O'Shea with the promotion trophy at Portman Road before joining the squad on the bus.
• A roar went up as the buses turned the corner onto Portman Road, met by a sea of clapping, cheering and singing.
• Fans then raced between vantage points along the route to catch the parade more than once.
• The official celebrations concluded at around 12:45 but will likely continue into the night.

What they're saying: Captain Dara O'Shea told the crowd in Christchurch Park: "Unbelievable. This is what we wanted at the start of the season, and we've got it. It's so special. I can't really put it into words."

Reflecting on the squad, he added: "It's been everybody. When we're all together as a group, we can do special things," highlighting the importance of squad depth across the campaign.

Manager Kieran McKenna said: "It was just different. You can't ever take for granted how difficult it is to get to the Premier League. A different group, a different challenge. All stepped up, all contributed, all deserve a slice of this history."

Describing it as "another historic season," McKenna heaped praise on the club's support staff before telling supporters: "We can't wait to see you all next year."

Chairman and chief executive Mark Ashton said he was "very humbled" by the reception, and said the club's American owners had been "ecstatic" and had "backed us since they got here."

For context: Wes Burns, one of three players remaining from the side that won promotion to the Premier League in 2024, came onto the bus to chants from the crowd. Reflecting on three promotions in four years, he said it had been "an incredible time since I've been here" and thanked fans for their unwavering support.

Burns was given a standing ovation at Portman Road on Saturday and was clapped off the pitch by players and staff, prompting speculation that the QPR match may have been his last for the club.

The bigger picture: Ipswich Borough Council, which hosted the event, said the celebration was expected to bring real benefits to the local economy, attracting visitors into the town centre and supporting local businesses. A council spokesperson said before the parade: "We're incredibly proud that Ipswich Town is back in the Premier League – it's fantastic news for our town."

The bottom line: Two days after sealing automatic promotion, Ipswich Town's open-top bus parade brought the town to a standstill – capping a season that returned the club to the Premier League at the first attempt. COYB.

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