York City promotion bus parade details confirmed

Details of a bus parade to celebrate York City's promotion to the English Football League (EFL) have been confirmed by the council and football club.

The parade was originally due to take place last Tuesday but was postponed because of safety concerns raised by City of York Council and North Yorkshire Police.

At a promotion party the following day, co-owner Julie-Anne Uggla told thousands of fans gathered at the LNER Community Stadium that a bus parade would take place on Thursday 7 May.

The City of York Council said the event would start at 19:00 BST on Thursday and is expected to last approximately 30 minutes.

York City earned automatic promotion into League Two after winning the National League.

Victory was sealed during a dramatic 1-1 draw at Rochdale, both clubs having won more than 100 points during the season.

The equaliser was scored in the 103rd minute, meaning York returned to the EFL for the first time in ten years.

The parade route starts on St Leonard's Place, outside the York Art Gallery.

It will then head down Museum Street and Station Road, crossing the River Ouse before turning down Rougier Street and George Hudson Street.

The bus will return to the north of the river on Bridge Street, before turning down Clifford Street and finishing at the Eye of York.

City of York Council said fans should use the full length of the 1.2 mile (2km) route in order to get a good view of the bus.

The council said officers would "liaise with businesses and residents on the route to make sure they are aware of the event".

It warned there would be no dedicated viewing areas and no accessible viewing areas, but the council said it had made the route long enough to accommodate anyone not comfortable in larger crowds.

Those individuals are advised to choose areas away from major landmarks, or on wider streets, to watch.

Rolling road closures will be in place along the parade route (above) to allow the bus to pass.

Fans have been encouraged to plan their journey in advance and allow extra time if using public transport.

"People are strongly advised to stay local if they can and walk or cycle if possible," it added.

A spokesperson said: "We strongly advise people do not drive, particularly into the city centre."

However, public parking will be available in the city's car parks, with Blue Badge holders able to access part of Castle Car Park.

The council encouraged parents, guardians and carers to take a photo of their children before attending the parade, to help identify them in case they become lost.

"Stewards will also be distributing wristbands on which you can write the number of a responsible adult attach it to a child/vulnerable person," a spokesperson said.

"If you lose a youngster during the parade, please alert your nearest steward or a member of North Yorkshire Police immediately."

A lost and found facility will be in place at the Eye of York.

The council said flares, pyrotechnics or anything similar are "strictly prohibited" due to the "risk of injury to fellow fans".

No drones would be allowed on the parade route either, the council said.

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