York City bus parade announced at promotion party

Thousands of York City fans turned out to celebrate the club's promotion as the owners confirmed a bus parade would go ahead next week.

On Saturday, York City drew 1-1 with Rochdale to end a 10-year exile from the Football League.

Club owner Julie-Anne Uggla told fans gathered at the LNER Community Stadium that a bus parade would be held next week, after a petition calling for the event attracted more than 2,000 signatures.

North Yorkshire Police had previously said "elements of the plan are unclear, with a significant lack of detail, and unresolved safety concerns".

More than 4,100 tickets were sold for the promotion party, with money raised from the £1 ticket price going to Yorkshire children's cancer charity Candlelighters Trust.

The event included a trophy presentation, fireworks, quiz and lap of honour for the players.

Uggla did not confirm details of the parade, including its date or route, during her pitch announcement that it had been given approval. City of York Council have been approached for further comment.

Both the council and police turned down the initial application for a parade to be held this week.

Manager Stuart Maynard paid tribute to club owners Matthew and Julie-Anne Uggla and thanked the fans.

"We've got a special ownership here. They've done incredible on and off the pitch.

"We've got a special management team behind the pitch, they've done incredible work. Without them we don't have the success we have," he said.

"And most importantly the fans. Supporting us home and away you're absolutely incredible.

"You deserve this, 10 years of hurt, we're back where we are. This is just the start of the journey. We're ready to go again."

Julie-Anne Uggla and her son Matthew purchased York City in June 2023.

"We're just so proud; we're planning a three-day party in Ibiza for the whole team. We'll be having cocktails on the beach," said Julie-Anne.

Club mascot Steve Ovenden, better known as Yorkie the Lion, said he had not yet recovered from the club's win.

"I'm still emotional. Look at this, the public of York out to see us. There's been a lot of hurt over the years at this football club," he said

"It's about Matthew and Julie-Anne. They've put together a fabulous team, a fabulous manager.

"Crikey, it's just amazing. This club is going to go forward and forward."

Club photographer Tom Poole and his children, Hatty and Otis, managed to briefly get their hands on the trophy.

Tom said: "We saw the trophy at the game on Saturday, but we just didn't want to get too close, we couldn't bear to touch it or jinx it."

"It's just amazing to hold it now. I've been a fan for 20 years and this means the world."

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