Thousands of Arsenal supporters lined the streets of North London as the club’s long-awaited Premier League trophy parade got underway. After ending a 22-year wait to reclaim England’s top-flight crown, fans flooded the route in anticipation of seeing their heroes celebrate the achievement.

Crowds packed key locations throughout the area, with estimates suggesting attendance could reach extraordinary levels. Supporters gathered hours before the procession began, creating a festival atmosphere marked by chants, air horns, flags, and clouds of red smoke.

The open-top buses were scheduled to depart at 2pm, carrying players, coaches, club staff, and members of Arsenal’s women’s squad through the heart of the borough.

Huge Numbers Gather Along the Parade Route

Supporters occupied every available space along the planned journey. The convoy travelled down Holloway Road before continuing around Seven Sisters, Blackstock Road, Newington Green, Essex Road, and finally Upper Street near Angel.

Long before the buses arrived, fans had already claimed positions along the route. Upper Street was particularly crowded, while many supporters who had travelled to Budapest for the Champions League final rushed back overnight to take part in the celebrations.

Although the Emirates Stadium remained restricted during the event, the surrounding streets were packed with red and white shirts as excitement continued to build throughout the afternoon.

Players Prepare for a Historic Occasion

Inside the Emirates, players gathered before stepping aboard the buses. Images from the dressing room showed academy graduate Myles Lewis-Skelly enjoying the moment alongside the Premier League trophy.

When the squad eventually emerged, captain Martin Ødegaard carried the trophy toward the waiting vehicles. The players, all wearing commemorative shirts and winners’ medals, crossed the Danny Fiszman Bridge while music blasted around the stadium.

The soundtrack included Fatboy Slim’s famous anthem “Right Here, Right Now,” with fans responding enthusiastically when asked whether they were ready for the celebrations to begin.

Three Open-Top Buses Lead the Procession

The parade featured three separate buses. The first carried Mikel Arteta and the men’s first-team squad, while the second transported club staff. Arsenal Women occupied the third vehicle as the club celebrated achievements across both teams.

Arteta appeared relaxed, sporting sunglasses as he addressed players and invited guests before the convoy moved off. A mobile DJ accompanied the procession, providing music and amplifying speeches throughout the route.

As the buses crossed a bridge marked with the words “This Belongs To All Of Us,” supporters erupted into cheers, creating one of the loudest moments of the afternoon.

Fans Welcome Their Champions

The atmosphere intensified as the parade reached Holloway Road. Red smoke drifted through the air while supporters crowded balconies, rooftops, and windows to catch a glimpse of the champions.

The convoy moved faster than many expected through the packed streets, with the lead bus guiding the celebrations. The noise level continued to rise as chants echoed across North London.

Players interacted with supporters throughout the journey. Declan Rice stood prominently at the front of the main bus, occasionally sipping from an Arsenal-branded cup, while recent arrival Christhian Mosquera encouraged dancing from the rear section.

Every player wore shirts featuring the inscription “Champions 26” on the back, underlining the significance of Arsenal’s latest title-winning campaign.

Arsenal Women Join the Celebration

The women’s team played a major role in the festivities. Aboard the third bus, Lotte Wubben-Moy and Leah Williamson were among the most animated figures, dancing and enjoying the music as crowds cheered from below.

Their presence reflected the club’s decision to celebrate success across the entire Arsenal family rather than focusing solely on the men’s Premier League triumph.

Supporters responded warmly, with many directing chants and applause toward the women’s squad as the procession advanced through North London.

Mixed Emotions After European Heartbreak

Despite the celebratory mood, memories of the previous night remained fresh. Arsenal had suffered a painful defeat in the Champions League final in Budapest, losing to Paris Saint-Germain on penalties after a fiercely contested encounter.

Several supporters acknowledged the disappointment but viewed the Premier League title as a remarkable achievement worthy of celebration. Arteta had already urged his players to channel the pain of the European defeat into motivation for future campaigns.

The contrast between domestic glory and continental frustration created a unique backdrop for the parade, though the overwhelming feeling among supporters was one of pride.

Praise for Arteta’s Long-Term Project

The title success represented the culmination of years of rebuilding under Arteta. Former figures within the club pointed to the manager’s patience, ambition, and long-term planning as critical factors behind Arsenal’s rise.

According to those familiar with the project, Arteta repeatedly stressed that transforming Arsenal into champions would require several years. Backing from ownership, including increased involvement from Josh Kroenke, was also cited as a key component in the club’s progress.

Those decisions have now been rewarded with Arsenal’s first Premier League title in more than two decades.

Rival Reactions Add Extra Spice

As expected, reactions from rival supporters varied. Some Tottenham fans admitted Arsenal deserved to finish as champions, while others questioned aspects of the team’s playing style despite acknowledging their success.

Debate surrounding Arsenal’s approach continued even during the celebrations, though such discussions did little to dampen the mood among Gunners supporters enjoying their moment.

For one day at least, North London belonged entirely to Arsenal.

A Day to Remember for the Gunners

From packed streets and deafening chants to dancing players and clouds of red smoke, the parade delivered the spectacle supporters had waited years to witness.

The Premier League trophy may have been the centrepiece, but the event also served as a celebration of the club’s journey under Arteta and the connection between players and supporters.

Twenty-two years after their previous league triumph, Arsenal finally had the opportunity to parade as champions once again, and North London responded in unforgettable fashion.