Bradford City promotion bus parade confirmed

An open-top bus parade celebrating Bradford City's promotion to League One will take place on Tuesday, it has been confirmed.

The Bantams claimed a dramatic late victory over Fleetwood Town with seconds to spare on Saturday.

The club said the parade would leave the University of Bradford Stadium at around 19:00 BST and make its way to City Park, where "thousands of people will gather to welcome the squad".

A spokesperson said no public event was planned at the stadium, but supporters could line the route to City Park and Centenary Square, along Manningham Lane, Manor Row, Upper Piccadilly and John St, until it reaches Godwin Street.

Supporters have been encouraged to "keep to pavements and not follow the buses".

The roads will remain open to traffic.

The club said it was encouraging fans to gather at City Park from 18:30 BST, "to enjoy the atmosphere" including music and a performance by the Bantam of the Opera choir.

The team and club management will make their way to the pavilion area of City Park, above the Cake'ole Cafe, to spend an hour "greeting the crowds and giving speeches".

The players will then depart for a private function before returning to the stadium.

The Lord Mayor of Bradford, Councillor Beverley Mullaney, said: "The squad and supporters so deserve this after the season that they have had.

"I'd encourage as many people as possible to come down to City Park to help celebrate."

The leader of Bradford Council, Councillor Susan Hinchcliffe, said the club had "delivered a wonderful gift to the city".

"This will be a fabulous opportunity for supporters and players to celebrate together following what has been an incredible season," she added.

Bradford City chief executive Ryan Sparks said: "The scenes at the University of Bradford Stadium on Saturday were things you dream of seeing.

"We are very grateful for the council's invitation and the support from the local authorities to create what will be an unforgettable event in the city of Bradford's history."

As the final whistle approached on Saturday Bradford, who started the day in third, seemed destined to drop into the play-offs, but Antoni Sarcevic redirected a George Lapslie shot into the bottom corner, with just seconds to play.

Delirious home fans then stormed onto the pitch and it took more than 15 minutes for the game to then be completed, with the players initially being taken off the field.

The last-minute win sees the club join Doncaster and Port Vale in being automatically promoted to League One.

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