The great and the good gathered to cheer on York City during an open top bus parade celebrating the team's promotion back to the Football League.
Thousands gathered in York on Thursday evening (May 7) to welcome the Minstermen as they travelled through the city celebrating their promotion by holding the National League trophy aloft.
This marks the end of a decade-long stay in non-league football after a 103rd minute from Josh Stones goal against Rochdale on April 25 won York the title, following a best-ever season for the football club.
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Arriving at the Eye of York, City co-chair Julie-Anne Uggla thanked the “unbelievable support” from fans as she arrived at the Eye of York on the team bus.
She was joined by club legend Iain Dunn, manager Stuart Maynard, defender Callum Howe, co-chair Matt Uggla, and both the Lord Mayor of York Cllr Martin Rowley and Mayor of York and North Yorkshire David Skaith.
In his speech from the top of the bus, Cllr Rowley said it was the "honour of his life" to spend his year as mayor backing the Minstermen.
"I was there at the first game at home, I was there at the last game at home, and I've gotten to know this club really well," the Lord Mayor said.
"I thank Julie-Anne, Matthew, and the team for all they've done for this city. 12 months ago, we were in a different place and we'd had the biggest knocks - but if you look at the most priceless statue, it's formed of a thousand knocks. York City are a priceless marvel and we've only got one way to go and that's up.
"Hopefully, I'll be at the first home game and at the last when we get promoted from League Two to League One."
His speech was followed by David Skaith, who simply said: "It's a huge honour to be here and to be able to fund this event today. Brings so many people, shows off the city for the amazing city it is, show off the amazing sport it is.”
Speaking to The Press, the mayor added: "It's amazing to be here today and see all the support that the fans are giving to the players and the impact that's having on the city.
"I think we've known for a long time that York has something really special around sport - the great work that the rugby league men and women have done and now the men's football have really grown in stature and gotten promoted. "It's brilliant for the city."
York's MPs were also front and centre at the parade - ready to celebrate City's promotion.
York Central MP Rachael Maskell said: "It's been an amazing day to today and I think, when you see the whole city coming together, it really just lifts all of our spirits. What a day to celebrate an amazing results - kept us on our toes right to the last minute and I'm sure Rochdale will be kicking themselves.
"The team's played really well throughout the seasons and they've done us so proud and I'm really pleased to be here today."
York Outer's Luke Charters added that the parade had brought a tear to his eye.
He said: "I'm meant to be a tough Yorkshire man but, like many in the crowd, seeing the bus did a bring a tear to my eye. Seeing some of the parents with their kids is lovely.
"I'm just grateful to Julie-Anne and Matt. We are lucky to have them - absolute fact."
