BLUEBIRDS REVEAL OPEN-TOP PARADE DETAILS
CARDIFF City will stage a celebratory open-top bus parade this Sunday after being promoted to the Premier League.
The Bluebirds’ promotion was sealed on the final day of the season after a 0-0 draw with Reading – aided by promotion rivals Fulham losing 3-1 to Birmingham.
Sealing automatic promotion to the top flight sparked jubilant scenes at Cardiff City Stadium, with ecstatic fans invading the pitch and players and fans celebrating together before the party continued long into the night at the end-of-season awards dinner.
The club yesterday announced plans for the much-anticipated event, which will begin at 3pm on Sunday at Cardiff City Stadium.
The route will take the open-top bus parade up Leckwith Road until it reaches Cowbridge Road East before then turning down towards Castle Street.
Between 4.30pm and 5pm, the bus is expected to arrive at Cardiff Castle, where it will be met by Cardiff Council leader Huw Thomas and Lord Mayor Bob Derbyshire.
City manager Neil Warnock and the squad will then take to an open-air stage to address celebrating fans.
A club spokesman said: “Once the team arrive at the castle, Neil Warnock and the players will take to an open-air stage to address supporters amidst what we know will be a family-friendly, party atmosphere.
“Our supporters are invited to join us for the free festivities at the castle or at any point they wish to see the parade along the way.
“We are conscious that there is limited room in front of the castle and safety on the day will be of paramount importance. We ask fans to remember this on the day, especially as the area surrounding the castle will be fully utilised by car-free day events up until 3pm on Sunday.
“We look forward to seeing you all Sunday and rounding the season off in style!”
There are extensive road closures in the capital on the day as the city is hosting its second annual car-free day as well as a major bike ride.
Both are in the area around the castle and many surrounding roads are closed between 5.30am and 8pm.
A Bluebirds spokesman said: “Cardiff City Football Club supports the council’s car-free day and is asking supporters to take this opportunity to travel into the city by bus, train, on bikes or on foot to enjoy the event which runs from 10am to 3pm.
“Car-free day has been planned for some time, so we also want to thank Cardiff Council for doing everything they can to let us bring our parade into the city centre on the same day.”
Club chief executive Ken Choo has previously spoken about how he feels Sunday will be the perfect moment for fans and players to thank one another again.
In a message to fans, he said: “Without you and your incredible support we would not be in the Premier League. The backing we have received has been invaluable in helping us win promotion.
“The fans have been a credit to us and we want to issue an open invitation for them to come to the parade.
“The Reading match and celebrations afterwards were fantastic. You deserve this moment.
“We hope that we’ll be able to savour it again with a celebration in the city. This is an achievement for the whole of Cardiff and I’m sure that the city will prosper and thrive with the return of Premier League football.”
Warnock indicated his wishes for a parade to take place at the end-of-season awards dinner on Sunday night.
He said: “We are hoping to have an open-top bus ride next Sunday. I want to make it happen.”