Luton Town to celebrate promotion to the Championship with open top bus parade
Video report by ITV News Anglia's Graham Stothard
Luton Town will mark their promotion to the Championship with an open top bus parade through the town.
Thousands of Hatters fans are expected to line the streets on Sunday 5 May to celebrate the club's return to the second tier after a 12-year absence.
Luton's promotion was secured on Tuesday night after both Sunderland and Portsmouth lost their games against Fleetwood Town and Peterborough United respectively.
The buses will leave Kenilworth Road at midday before arriving in St George’s Square quarter on an hour later.
The players will then take part in some short celebratory speeches on stage and the day will end with a private reception in the Town Hall.
It will be the second year in a row that a party has taken place in the town after the Hatters were also promoted from League Two last season.
“We are all absolutely delighted with Luton Town securing another promotion in what has been an incredible season. We know how much this means to the supporters and the town as a whole," Laura Church, Luton Council’s Interim Chief Executive said.
“When Luton Town does well, the whole town does well, and promotion to the Championship will ensure a fantastic vibe across Luton for the foreseeable future and a positive boost to the economy next season. I look forward to seeing as many people as possible on Sunday.”
Timetable of the day
1100 - Pre entertainment in St George’s Square
1200 - Buses leave Kenilworth Road
1215 - Buses arrive at St George’s Square
1220 - Stage Show
1315 – Private Civic Reception and Balcony photo
1430 - Buses return to Kenilworth Road
Road closures on the day (from 9am-3pm)
Guildford Street
Bridge Street
Gordon Street
Alma Street
Alma Link
Manchester Street
George Street
Upper George Street
Wellington Street
Dunstable Place
New Bedford Road (jct. with Luton-Dunstable Busway)
Oak Road