Huge crowds of Arsenal fans are celebrating already, long before the club's open-top bus parade to mark their first Premier League trophy in 22 years even begins this afternoon (Sunday, May 31). As many as half-a-million Arsenal supporters are expected to be lining the streets of North London for the parade by the time it starts at 2pm.
Parade Route and Logistics
The open-top parade will cover a 5.6-mile / 9km route between Angel, Highbury and Islington, Holloway Road, Finsbury Park and Essex Road with fans encouraged to spread out across the route. It is expected to last around two hours. The club have told fans there will not be a trophy lift along the route as the buses will continuously move due to the sheer number of people expected to attend. Police have confirmed the Emirates Stadium, Drayton Park and the surrounding roads will be closed throughout the parade. Transport for London (TfL) has warned the Victoria, Piccadilly, Mildmay and Windrush lines will be extremely busy throughout Sunday afternoon.
Route Map Details
Starting at 2pm, the route stretches for 9km, going up Holloway Road, around Seven Sisters, through Blackstock Road onto Newington Green, then all the way down Essex Road before turning right at Angel station onto Upper Street. The route does not pass by the stadium. The bus will not stop anywhere for a traditional trophy lift, as has been the case in previous parades. The buses will be moving continuously. Arsenal have encouraged fans to spread themselves along the route and to arrive early. Access to the Emirates Stadium is closed to fans, and there won't be any space to gather around Drayton Park, Hornsey Road, and Benwell Road, as you will not be able to see the team from those locations.
Champions League Heartbreak
The Gunners had been hoping for a double celebration by following up their league success with a first Champions League trophy in the club's 140-year history but they suffered heartbreak in a penalty shootout loss against Paris St Germain in Budapest. Despite this, the Premier League triumph marks a historic moment for the club and its supporters.
Parade Convoy
The parade will feature four buses when it gets underway at 2pm. They will be led by a Champions truck featuring DJs at the front of the procession. The lead bus will have the squad of Premier League champions on board, followed by the men's team staff, then the women's team with the FIFA Women's Champions Cup. The final bus will have supporters from Arsenal in the Community programmes, as well as a selection of Arsenal staff members nominated for their outstanding contribution to the club.
