Manchester City’s man city parade starts in the Northern Quarter at 17:00 after the club beat Chelsea in the FA Cup final and lifted four trophies across the season. Thousands of fans are expected to line the route as Pep Guardiola is presented to the crowd at the start, turning the homecoming into a farewell as well as a celebration.
The buses set off with the players and three managers at 17:00, after the City Parade show and build up begins at 16:00. Guardiola said his departure is because it is his time to leave, adding: "Don't ask me the reasons I'm leaving. There is no reason, but deep inside, I know it's my time. Nothing is eternal, if it was, I would be here. Eternal will be the feeling, the people, the memories, the love I have for my Manchester City."
Northern Quarter to Ashton New Road
The route runs from the Northern Quarter through Ancoats and approaches the Etihad Stadium along Ashton New Road before ending at The Colin Bell Stand reception with a final celebration moment. The crowd will see the players alongside Guardiola, Andree Jeglertz and Oliver Reiss at the start of the parade, keeping the focus on the men’s, women’s and academy trophy wins that drove the event.
That trophy haul includes the FA Cup, the Carabao Cup, the Women's Super League trophy and the FA Youth Cup. City beat Chelsea in the FA Cup final, and the parade is the public send-off for a season that now stretches across four trophies and three teams.
Etihad access and parking
Road access and parking around the Etihad Stadium are restricted for the parade, and on-site parking is not available unless a person has a ticket to The After Party at Co-op Live. Manchester City is advising fans to use public transport to get to the Etihad, while free parking is available at Park and Ride sites at Ashton Moss, Ashton West and Ladywell on the Etihad Campus.
The After Party sits near the stadium and gives fans another way to follow the day without trying to park at the ground. Doors open at 15:00, final entry is at 17:00 and the event closes at 20:00, with fans able to watch coverage of the parade, enjoy live music and welcome the players at about 18:30.
Co-op Live plans
Noel Gallagher, Blossoms and Fernandinho are among the further guests tied to the After Party, which makes the gathering a second destination for supporters who want to stay for the finish. For anyone heading to the stadium itself, the practical move is simple: use public transport, or head for one of the free Park and Ride sites before the roads tighten around the route.
