Newcastle celebrates 70-year trophy drought with vibrant bus parade

Newcastle, England is buzzing with excitement as the local football club, Newcastle United, celebrates a significant milestone. On Saturday, March 29, 2025, the team organized an open-top bus parade to honor their recent victory in the English League Cup, marking the end of a 70-year wait for a domestic trophy. The historic win over Liverpool, which occurred nearly two weeks prior at Wembley Stadium, culminated in a 2-1 scoreline, securing Newcastle's first major domestic trophy since the FA Cup triumph in 1955. The moment carries immense significance for both the club and its dedicated supporters, with over 150,000 fans projected to attend this grand celebration. The parade commenced from St James’ Park at approximately 4:30 p.m. local time and proceeded through the heart of the city, culminating at the Town Moor. Here, fans were treated to a lively atmosphere where a stage was set up for a one-hour event featuring interviews with players and a trophy lift that would cement the victory in the hearts of Newcastle supporters. The path of the parade included notable landmarks, beginning from the iconic St James' Park, moving east along Gallowgate, and subsequently turning onto Percy Street before arriving at the Great North Road (B1318). As part of the festivities, a ticketed celebration at Town Moor was organized, where live music, interviews, and a screening of the full cup final attracted attendees. Though the main parade was free for everyone to enjoy, fans had registered in advance to obtain tickets for the Town Moor event, showcasing the level of interest surrounding the team's success. Given the large crowd expected, organizers anticipated substantial impact on the transport network, advising attendees to consider walking to the event to mitigate congestion. Eddie Howe, the manager of Newcastle United, earned recognition with a nomination for the municipal honor known as the “Freedom of the City,” putting him in the ranks of celebrated figures like Alan Shearer and Bobby Robson. This achievement not only emphasizes the team's current success but also celebrates a momentous occasion that is poised to resonate within the community for years to come, as fans revel in their team's glory and relish this remarkable victory that has been a long time coming.