Back in the big days! Ipswich celebrate stunning Premier League promotion in style with boozy open-top bus parade – as thousands flock to cheer on their heroes

Ipswich Town heroes celebrated their promotion to the Premier League in style as thousands of supporters flocked to cheer their boozy open-top bus parade.

The Tractor Boys secured their stunning return to the top flight after a 22-year wait on Saturday following a 2-0 win over Huddersfield Town at Portman Road.

Players and staff wasted no time in getting the celebrations underway shortly after the final whistle, with the team reveling in their success in the dressing room before re-emerging to lift the trophy. second place under a shower of champagne.

But the celebrations continued for the rest of the bank holiday weekend and on Monday Ipswich hosted an open-top bus tour around the town despite the gloomy skies.

The parade started at the stadium at noon and ended at Christchurch Park.

The players drank bottles of beer and were cheered by thousands of fans

The Tractor Boys returned to the top flight after a 22-year wait after beating Huddersfield

The route also passed Sir Alf Ramsey Way and other landmarks and saw buses emblazoned with “The City is Rising!” » meander through the blue-clad crowds.

Firstly, the parade left the club’s Playford Road training ground and headed towards Portman Road. The players on board wore workout clothes and drank bottles of beer.

Below, the crowd threw blue flares and were doused with alcohol from the buses.

Champion boxer and Ipswich supporter Fabio Wardley was again spotted at the heart of the celebrations and was seen raising a beer to the crowd in the convoy.

Large screens have been placed around Christchurch Park for supporters to watch the parade and boss Kieran McKenna is expected to give a speech.

“I’ll never forget those days,” striker Kayden Jackson told BBC Radio Suffolk.

Massimo Luongo hoisted the finalists’ trophy into the air as the players rejoiced in their success

Crowds shot flares and cheered their heroes as they passed through the city.

Boss Kieran McKenna admitted he was relishing the opportunity to pit his team against the best.

“If he (McKenna) asked me to run through a brick wall, I would do it for him in a heartbeat.”

“I haven’t lost sight of what could have happened if I had gone elsewhere after a miserable time at the club and I’m just happy to be here with the boss to experience everything we’ve been through lately. two years.’

McKenna, meanwhile, is relishing the opportunity to pit his team against the best.

“I moved away at 16 to follow a dream and had to dedicate myself to it at 22,” he said.

“Since then, I have had 15 years of work, sacrifice and learning. It’s been an incredible journey and I’m proud of what I’ve accomplished. I was coaching in the Premier League and the Champions League at 32. You want to test yourself against the best.

“It will be a big challenge to do this again.”