Leicester City’s victorious Sky Bet Championship champions were welcomed by a large crowd dressed in blue at the Clock Tower on Sunday for the club’s victory parade.
Following their crowning on Saturday, where the newly promoted Foxes received the EFL trophy, the festivities continued the next day as Enzo Maresca’s team, bound for the Premier League, paraded the silverware through Leicester’s streets.
With a total of 97 points, City triumphed in the Championship, achieving a joint club record of 31 league wins and securing their eighth second-tier title, a feat unmatched by any other team.
Despite the need to now focus on their return to the Premier League, Leicester fans turned out in force on Sunday to celebrate their team’s victory in the early summer sunshine, capping off an incredible season. As everyone raised a toast to the Championship champions, the day was filled with unforgettable moments for fans of all ages, with DJ MistaJam providing the music and various Leicester icons mingling with the crowd.
Standing atop one of the buses, academy graduate Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, who was named City’s Player and Players’ Player of the Season, remarked, “It’s overwhelming to see so many people here today, and we’re just taking it all in.” For many fans, this celebration means everything. It’s heartening to see so many people come together to enjoy a day like today. That’s the main aim: to share in the joy. Today has been incredible, filled with amazing scenes. We’ve put in a lot of hard work to reach this point.
The champions began their parade on Northampton Street, traveling via Humberstone Gate and pausing to take in the sights along the way, until they arrived at the Clock Tower, where large crowds had gathered to catch a glimpse of the Championship trophy. Amidst a sea of blue, the chants of Filbert Way echoed in front of one of Leicester’s most beloved landmarks, packed with thousands of City supporters.
“I’m thrilled that the fans can be here today for this,” said James Justin, who won the Goal of the Season award in December for his spectacular strike against Cardiff City. So many people have come together to help us win the league. In addition to the coaching staff, the kitchen staff, and everyone else who works tirelessly at the training ground, the supporters play a significant role in our success. We are forever grateful for their support, and hopefully, days like today can repay them for everything.
Chairman Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha, Manager Maresca, and the Leicester City players stood on the balcony for another trophy presentation — one of the final acts in a week-long celebration following the confirmation of the club’s return to the Premier League.
Leicester native Hamza Choudhury soaked in the moment, saying, “We’ve had incredible support all season, and it’s amazing to see them come out in force today. Honestly, whether we were in Plymouth or Ipswich, they were always there in numbers. I can’t express how much it motivates the team. I’ve spent so much of my life around here (the city center), so being here on the bus with thousands of people out, it’s incredible.”
Meanwhile, Wout Faes reflected, “These are the moments we live for, and it’s just incredible, surreal.” The sea of blue is unbelievable. The best feeling is the camaraderie between the celebrating fans and supporters.”
