Skip to content

Town heroes set for bus parade and park celebration

James HoreSuffolk
News imagePA Blue Ipswich bus with players on top celebrating. There is a large crowd surrounding the bus and blue smoke in the air from flares.PA
Following 2024's one, Ipswich is getting ready for another top flight celebration, on Bank Holiday Monday

Ipswich Town will celebrate their return to the Premier League with a Bank Holiday Monday bus parade, it has been confirmed.

The Blues bounced straight back to the top flight at the first time of asking following a 3-0 win against QPR on Saturday in the final game of the Championship season.

And it has now been confirmed there will be a bus parade leaving Portman Road stadium at 11:30 BST that was expected to arrive at Christchurch Park at 12:00, where a celebratory event would be held.

Ipswich Borough Council said it would be a chance for players, supporters, and residents "to come together and celebrate".

News imageITFC A graphic of two footballers, Kieran McKenna and a map showing a bus route. The wording says "WE'RE GOING UP AGAIN! BUS PARADE. MONDAY, 4 MAY 2026. 11.30AM START"ITFC
The route will pass the New Wolsey Theatre, BBC Suffolk, Tower Ramparts bus station and the front entrance to Christchurch Mansion

The club said the route would follow Sir Alf Ramsey Way, Portman Road, Handford Road, Civic Drive, Crown Street, Soane Street, Bolton Lane and the bus would enter the park via the Westerfield Road.

Big screens will be placed in the park, which will show the bus en-route, with coverage beginning at 11:00.

Those with access requirements will be able to use a designated viewing area in front of one of the screens, the club said.

Manager Kieran McKenna and players would address supporters. The celebrations were expected to conclude by 13:00.

News imagePA Ipswich Town players on the top of a double-decker promotion bus. PA
In 2024, the parade left Portman Road and headed to the park via Civic Drive and Crown Street

The route is the same one taken for the parade that followed promotion to the Premier League in May 2024.

That day saw the jubilant players downing beers as they were joined on a double-decker bus by Ipswich boxer Fabio Wardley.

Overjoyed fans packed pavements and followed the bus as it made its way slowly through the town.

News imageBrenner Woolley/BBC Thousands of Ipswich Town supporters packed together in a park, with banners, scarves, etc. There are mature trees in the background.Brenner Woolley/BBC
BBC Radio Suffolk's Ipswich Town commentator Brenner Woolley was on the top deck of the bus in Christchurch Park

A council statement said: "We are thrilled to be hosting a parade on Monday 4th May through the town followed by a celebration event in Christchurch Park to mark Ipswich Town Football Club's promotion to the Premier League, and to give fans the chance to come together and celebrate.

"We look forward to welcoming players, supporters, and residents for a fantastic community celebration."

Do you have a story suggestion for Suffolk? Contact us below.

Follow Suffolk news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.

More on this story