'Once in a lifetime party' as thousands celebrate in city

Tears and laughter, a blare of vuvuzelas, samba rhythms and even a surprise message from Kylie Minogue combined to mark Coventry City's return to the Premier Leagueafter a 25‑year wait.

More than 50,000 supporters packed War Memorial Park on Monday, with thousands more lining the city's streets to cheer the team home.

The celebrations climaxed in full voice with the city anthem We'll Live and Die in These Towns and an outpouring of love for "Super Frank" Lampard.

Many more partied in pubs and clubs across the city.

The day after the night before "the city is still buzzing," said Ravinder Singh, manager of The Hollybush, in Holbrooks, who managed to get to bed at about 03:00 BST.

Hundreds of people had packed into his bar and restaurant throughout the day and evening.

"It was one of the best days," he said. "We don't know when we're going to have this again.

Singh added: "Let's hope we win the Premier League, and then we get to do it all again."

Meanwhile, staff and residents at Abbey Park Care Home, in Whitley, all had a "brilliant day" said home manager Tina Thompson.

"It was absolutely fantastic, it was such a happy feel within the home. It's been lovely."

Those celebrating included 93-year-old Doreen, a lifelong city fan, who had been treated to her own parade around the home, singing Coventry City songs as she went, explained the manager.

"Her daughter even sprayed her hair blue," she said.

Videos of her celebrations have been viewed tens of thousands of times across the world, she said.

Carla Davies, shift supervisor at The Wallace, on Keresley Road said the place was "packed" on Monday and "you could not move".

"The atmosphere was incredible, you could not believe it," she added. "It was a once in a lifetime".

She had the "best view ever" of the parade from the roof, she explained.

"The silly thing is I hate heights, but the fear just went," she said. "I just got up there and danced my heart out.

"There was no trouble, everyone was just elated."

Dev Mawee, trustee and member of the Unicorn Social Club, said he and the staff had "loved" welcoming the Sky Blues fans.

He was delighted to have welcomed celebrating fans to the club he loves.

Fan Brian Tulley said he'd had a 14-hour marathon celebration, starting in Holbrooks.

"Just seeing Frank Lampard and the likes of Milan van Ewijk going through Holbrooks - it was just surreal really".

"It's making tears come back into my eyes just thinking about it".

Follow BBC Coventry & Warwickshire on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.