Oxford United open top bus promotion parade tomorrow

Published: Monday, 9th May 2016

Oxford United fans will be able to cheer on their newly-promoted heroes when the team takes part in an open top bus promotion parade through Oxford city centre tomorrow (10/5).

The event, organised by Oxford City Council with support from Ian Nolan Events and Oxfordshire County Council, will see the bus parade from Broad Street to Oxford Town Hall.

The bus will arrive in Broad Street at about 5pm, then move through George Street, Worcester Street, New Road and Queen Street, before arriving in St Aldate’s at 5.30pm.

The Lord Mayor of Oxford, Councillor Rae Humberstone, will then congratulate the team during a private civic reception at Oxford Town Hall.

Broad Street will be closed between 3pm and 8pm tomorrow. Parking will be suspended from 1pm.

There will be rolling road closures on the rest of the parade route through the city centre.

Oxford United were promoted from Sky Bet League Two on Saturday (7/5) after beating Wycombe Wanderers 3-0 at the Kassam Stadium.

The last open bus procession that Oxford United took part in took place in 2010 after the U’s won were promoted from the Conference.

Darryl Eales, Oxford United chairman, said: “We have had fantastic support from everybody in the city and across Oxfordshire.

“It is a wonderful gesture from the City and the County Council.

“We have had a brilliant season and this is a great opportunity for everyone to celebrate together."

Councillor Mark Lygo, Oxford City Council Executive Board Member for Leisure, Sports and Events, said: “I have been an Oxford United fan for over 35 years, and I am absolutely delighted that they have been promote and that we have been able to facilitate this open bus parade.

“I cannot wait to see the fans turn out tomorrow to cheer them on.”

Councillor Ian Hudspeth, Leader of Oxfordshire County Council, said: "Saturday was a fantastic day and now we can savour Oxford United's success some more with the victory parade. 

"This is the first time the club has been at third tier level in English football since 2001 so we really do have good cause as a community to enjoy this week and bask in the glory before focusing on exciting times in League One in the 2016/17 season."