Two leading politicians have pledged to do all in their power to make a York City open top bus parade happen.
Thousands of fans have been left gutted by the news that the club’s application to have a parade was rebutted by North Yorkshire Police and City of York Council.
Both organisations said that the event plan submitted by the club “lacked detail” and raised safety concerns.
Now both the Mayor of York and North Yorkshire David Skaith and the MP for York Outer Luke Charters have pledged to work to make a parade happen.
Mr Skaith said: “What York City Football Club achieved on Saturday was nothing short of extraordinary.
“A decade in non-league football ended with a 103rd-minute title winner in the most dramatic of fashion. The Minstermen are back in the English Football League, and every single person in this city and across this region should be bursting with pride.
“I firmly believe that this can still make a proper victory celebration happen. Everyone wants to see the club and fans enjoy their victory and to do so safely.
“York City co-chair, Julie-Anne Uggla, has expressed her disappointment as discussions last week didn’t reach a conclusion – but the club, the players, and the fans have given everything for ten long years to see this moment arrive.
“They deserve to be celebrated properly in the city they represent. “
He said all parties want the parade to happen. “That is why I am today reaching out to all partners to try a find solution that gives the club and these supporters the celebration they so richly deserve.
“I am committed to working constructively with City of York Council, North Yorkshire Police, and the football club to make that happen safely and as quickly as possible. No one should need to point fingers, we all want the same outcome.
“Let’s try and make sure York City get the send-off they deserve for their historic achievement.”
Mr Charters also believes a parade can still happen.
“Open-top bus trophy parades are about more than celebration. They are moments when a city comes together,” he said.
“They allow families, lifelong supporters, and the wider community to share in a collective success. These occasions do not come around often, although we all hope they will again, and so we must make the most of them when they do.
“Against that backdrop, the absence of a trophy parade feels like a significant letdown for supporters, particularly following the Stadium Management Company’s failure to secure an alcohol licence for the weekend screening.
“Many fans who paid to attend the Rochdale screening at the LNER Community Stadium were unable to enjoy a drink while watching one of the most important games in the club’s modern history.”
He added: “Now is not the time for buck-passing or shirking responsibility. Everyone in York with the ability to make this happen must come together to find a solution.
“This promotion presents a powerful opportunity to build goodwill, civic pride, and momentum for both the club and the city. An open-top celebration would also provide a welcome boost for local hospitality and businesses, while acting as a meaningful gesture to supporters who have waited years for this moment.
“As soon as I became aware of this situation, I spoke with City Cruises, who confirmed they would be more than happy to host an open-top boat parade. We must not allow unnecessary bureaucracy to get in the way of a major celebration for our city.
“I note that a spokesperson for North Yorkshire Police has stated that the current plan ‘is not fit for purpose’.
“I want to be absolutely clear that my team and I are ready to work constructively with the police and all relevant stakeholders to ensure that a safe and workable plan can be put in place.
“I am therefore calling on all those involved across the city to come together urgently to find a solution.”
