Thousands of Sheffield United fans can join the party, as the Blades celebrate promotion to the Premier League with an open top bus parade and civic reception in Sheffield.
Sheffield City Council and Sheffield United Football Club (SUFC) have confirmed plans for the celebration event which will take place on Tuesday 7th May between 5.30-8pm from Bramall Lane to the Sheffield Town Hall.
The open top bus, which will take the team’s players and coaching staff through the streets of Sheffield, will leave Bramall Lane at 5.30pm, to arrive at the Sheffield Town Hall for around 6.30pm.
The route will be closed to traffic, allowing Sheffield United to greet people along the route.
Blades supporters can join in the celebrations outside the Town Hall in a traffic free fanzone, where the team will be presented to share their jubilant success and mark the occasion with loyal fans.
The event, including the action on the bus, will be projected on to big screens within the fanzone so that nobody misses out on the action.
The area outside the Town Hall is expected to become busy very quickly. Fans are encouraged to arrive early to guarantee they can view the celebrations.
Chris Wilder at SUFC said: “We are delighted that Sheffield City Council are honouring our achievements once again. The event two years ago was memorable and we hope this one will be too.”
Before greeting the crowd SUFC players, staff and their families will enjoy a reception inside the Town Hall, by way of congratulations from the city of Sheffield.
John Mothersole, Chief Executive at Sheffield City Council said: “Many congratulations to Sheffield United, who have gone from strength to strength since joining the championship two years ago, and should be very proud of what they’ve achieved.
“In the last 12 months we’ve worked closely with Sheffield United on two successful bids for major international sporting competitions in 2021 – the UEFA Women’s Football Championships and the Rugby League World Cup – which will put the city and the club in the world’s spotlight. It is fitting that the Blades will now make a move in to what many believe is the world’s leading football league and we wish them every success as they take on this next challenge.”
Road closures will be in place in the city centre from 2pm – 9.30pm. Affected roads are Fargate, Surrey Street, Leopold Street, Pinstone Street, Burgess Street and Holly Street/Balm Green.
Some bus services will be disrupted. Travel South Yorkshire will provide details of all related diversions and disruptions. Some of these will be in place from 2pm.
During the open top bus tour a rolling road closure will be in place. This will travel from Cherry Street, onto Bramall Lane, across St Mary’s Gate roundabout, along Eyre Street, across Furnival Gate Roundabout, along Arundel Gate, onto Norfolk Street and into Surrey Street.
The bus will travel at walking pace accompanied by stewards to ensure people’s safety. People along the route are asked to adhere to the following:
- Do not follow the bus too closely. This is not only potentially very dangerous, but will also delay proceedings for the whole evening’s celebration.
- Are respectful of and listen to instructions from stewards
- Do not throw anything up in to the open top bus
Sheffield City Council and Sheffield United recognise that this is a moment of great celebration for the club and thousands of fans but are reminding people that this is an event for everyone including families with young children.
For everyone’s safety and enjoyment those attending the fanzone are asked to adhere to the following:
- Travel by public transport where possible
- Do not bring glass bottles in to the fanzone
- Do not throw cans, cups or other solid objects in to the air, across crowds or over barriers
- Do not set off smoke bombs
- Do not attempt to enter the barrier areas
- Be respectful and do not swear
- Be aware of others around them during celebrations
- Listen to instructions from stewards assisting the event
- Children should be accompanied at all times
An accessible fanzone is available at the front of the Town Hall. People who need to use this area should make themselves known to stewards and may be permitted accompanied by one guest or carer.
A lost children and welfare point will be situated within the Winter Garden
