Ipswich Town Promotion Parade and Park Event

Ipswich Town Promotion Parade and Park Event – Monday 4 May 

Ipswich Town FC secured promotion this weekend, as a result a celebratory open‑top bus parade will take place through Ipswich on Bank Holiday Monday, 4 May

The parade will provide an opportunity for supporters, residents and visitors to come together and celebrate what has been another memorable season for the club, players and staff. 

Parade details 

The open‑top bus will depart Portman Road Stadium at 11:30am, before travelling through the town centre and ending in Christchurch Park, where supporters will be able to gather for the finale of the celebrations. There will also be screens available in the park that will be live from 11am so fans from the park can watch the parade as it makes its way to them in Christchurch Park.  

A designated viewing area will be available in front of one of the screens for those with access requirements to enjoy the parade, with staff and security on hand to provide guidance and assistance if needed.  

Parade route 

ITFC parade map route

After leaving the stadium, the parade will follow the route below: 

  • Sir Alf Ramsey Way 
  • Portman Road 
  • Handford Road 
  • Civic Drive 
  • Crown Street 
  • Soane Street 
  • Bolton Lane 
  • Westerfield Road 
  • Entering Christchurch Park 

The bus is expected to arrive in Christchurch Park at approximately 12pm

Supporters are encouraged to safely line the length of the route to cheer on the team as they make their way through the town. 

A full route map will be available on this page ahead of the event. 

Christchurch Park celebrations 

Big screens will be in place in Christchurch Park, close to the Westerfield Road entrance, allowing supporters to watch the bus parade live before the players and staff arrive in the park. 

Once in Christchurch Park, the manager and playing squad will address supporters from the open‑top bus. The celebrations in the park are expected to conclude by around 12.30/1pm

Please note some entrances to Christchurch Park will not be accessible for public entry so please check the below map before you plan your journey.     

Gate map to show entrances and exits available at Christchurch park on 4th May 2026

 

Key timings  

  • 11:30am – Parade departs Portman Road Stadium 
  • 12pm – Bus arrives in Christchurch Park 
  • 12:00 – 12:30pm – Team address and conclusion of event 

Public safety and travel 

Residents and visitors are advised that there will be temporary road closures and traffic disruption along the parade route. To support the safe delivery of the parade please note that parking restrictions will apply throughout the bank holiday weekend.  

If you’re heading in and around Ipswich on parade day, please plan your journey ahead of time as road closures will be in place and delays are likely. A little extra patience and preparation will go a long way — thank you for bearing with us and helping make the day run smoothly for everyone! 

We’re looking forward to a fantastic, familyfriendly parade enjoyed by people of all ages. 
For safety reasons and out of consideration for children attending, flares and smoke grenades are not allowed

We want everyone to enjoy the parade, with plenty of opportunities to celebrate along the route, so please watch and celebrate from safe places and avoid standing on structures to help keep everyone safe. 

To keep the parade moving smoothly and the celebrations flowing, we encourage everyone to spread out along the whole route and enjoy the action from lots of great viewing spots. Please cheer from the pavements, stay behind barriers where they’re in place, and avoid following alongside the bus. Keeping the road clear helps the parade run safely and smoothly — so everyone, especially our younger fans, can relax and enjoy every moment! 

Thank you for helping us make the parade a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone. 

Road Closures 

Please note there will be temporary road closures in place whilst the buses travel through the parade route and into the park. These include Sir Alf Ramsey Way, Portman Road, Handford Road, Civic Drive, Crown Street, Soane Street, Bolton Lane, Westerfield Road, Entering Christchurch Park. 

 

Thanks and acknowledgements 

Ipswich Borough Council is working closely with Ipswich Town Football Club & Suffolk Police and partner organisations to ensure the event is delivered safely and enjoys by all. 

Further updates will be shared on this page and through the Council’s social media channels as plans are finalised. 

A message from Mark Ashton, Ipswich Town Chairman “We would like to thank Ipswich Borough Council for hosting the celebration event and for their ongoing support of the club and its supporters. Promotion is a moment for the entire community, and we look forward to celebrating together at Christchurch Park.”