On Saturday, May 9, Lincoln was alive with excitement as thousands of fans turned out to celebrate Lincoln City FC's historic promotion to Sky Bet League One. The vibrant atmosphere was captured beautifully by Lincolnshire Live, as supporters gathered for an open-top bus parade that showcased the team's incredible achievement.
The parade commenced near South Park Avenue and wound its way through the heart of the city, making stops along the High Street, Tentercroft Street, St Mary's Street, Wigford Way, and Silver Street. The route also passed the stunning Lincoln Cathedral before concluding near The Lincoln Imp pub on Riseholme Road. Players and officials waved to the cheering crowds, sharing their joy with the community that has supported them throughout the season.
Among the enthusiastic fans was Shaun Wright, 38, from Birchwood, who attended the parade with his daughter Emily, 10. Shaun, a devoted Imps fan for over a decade, expressed his pride in the team's accomplishments. "It's a great achievement. I hope they do well in the championship," he said, clearly delighted to share this moment with his daughter.
Freya Logan, a 25-year-old human resources worker from Waddington, echoed the sentiments of many fans. Having attended matches since she was nine, she was thrilled to witness the celebration. "I've been a bit shocked about the promotion; it’s not something I expected at the start of the season," she admitted, her excitement palpable as she looked forward to the team's future.
The parade also brought together families, such as Clive McCormack, 66, from Sleaford, who attended with his son and grandson. Clive shared, "It was really good, it was amazing that they have managed it," while his son Mark emphasized the sense of unity the promotion has fostered within the city. "Every season we say we don't think we will see Lincoln get into the championship, but we dared to dream and now we have," he remarked.
Young fans like Charlie Wiggs, a university student from Lincoln, and his friend Tyler Williams, 20, were equally enthusiastic. Charlie, a lifelong supporter, noted, "It was very good," while Alex McCalla and Dominic King, both 27 and 30, respectively, captured the spirit of the day by saying, "It's beautiful, look around, everyone is out. It's been a long time coming."
As the city celebrated this remarkable moment in its football history, the sense of community and shared joy was unmistakable. For many, this parade was not just a celebration of the team's success but a reminder of the passion that unites Lincoln's residents.
As Lincoln City FC looks ahead to its new chapter in the championship, fans are left wondering how far the team can go. The excitement is palpable, and the community is buzzing with hope and anticipation for what the future holds for their beloved Imps.