Liverpool FC: Route revealed for proposed Champions League victory parade

Plans have been revealed for a Liverpool FC victory parade if the club emerge triumphant from next weekend’s UEFA Champions League Final.

In the event of a win against Spanish side Real Madrid on May 26, Liverpool City Council will invite the Reds to hold a parade through the streets of the city centre.

The procession would take place on the day after the clash at the Olimpiyskiy National Sports Complex in Kiev, Ukraine.

Liverpool City Council said that while the match doesn’t take place until later this month, due to the “major logistical challenges” of arranging a sizable parade, the announcement is being made in advance to allow residents and businesses to prepare.

If it goes ahead it will take place at a time when two other large events are taking place in the city centre – the Three Festivals Tall Ships Regatta and the Bordeaux Wine Festival, which alone are forecast to draw tens of thousands to the waterfront.

An LFC parade would kick off at midday and last a couple of hours, during which the Liverpool team would display the Champions League trophy through the streets on an open top bus.

The route would begin at the Parliament Street/The Strand junction and from there journey along The Strand, up Leeds Street and then along Hunter Street, Islington, Erskine Street and West Derby Road, finishing near the Liverpool Olympia.

A map of the route

Commenting on the news, Liverpool Mayor Joe Anderson said: “Regardless of whether you are a Red, Blue or not a football fan at all, an event like this has a hugely positive impact and will once again shine the international spotlight on the city.

“We are all tremendously proud of LFC’s achievement and you can already feel the buzz around the city ahead of the final.”

He continued: “The club requested the parade takes place on the Sunday, and even though it’s already a busy day for the city, we want to make sure we are ready to give them the heroes’ welcome they deserve should they win.

“I understand there will be disappointment for those fans who are unable to get back from Kiev in time, but it was a similar situation in 2005 and we have to be guided by the club in terms of the date and time.”

Speaking further, Mayor Anderson said the council is now working closely with LFC, Merseyside Police and its travel partners “to ensure that the event runs smoothly and safely for everyone to enjoy”.

He added: “We’re keeping everything crossed for the final and hope the team and the fans do Liverpool proud in Kiev as they have throughout the competition.” The authority is advising fans to use the full lenght of the route, as the open top bus will not be making stops along the way.

Mark Wiggins, Merseyside Police Superintendent, commented: “We will be supporting Liverpool City Council, who are organising the event, to ensure the event goes ahead safely and disruption to regular road users and people living and visiting the city can be minimised as much as possible.

“Along with the fans, the public will see a large number of police officers who will be highly visible throughout the area of the city centre and the route of the parade.”

He added: “They’ll be providing a reassuring presence and making sure the day is not only one to remember, but also an enjoyable and safe event.”

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