Fans line streets for Ipswich Town parade

Davin and Kirsty Gee are such huge Town fans, they even had an Ipswich-themed wedding.

They were at the ground after Ipswich went up to the Premier League in 2000 and now they've brought their children Rosie and Holly, aged 4 and 2, along to join the latest promotion party.

"We met through the football - we saw each other, smiled. At the wedding we had a Matt Holland table, Micky Stockwell, Shefki [Kuqi], all the old players," said Kirsty, 37.

"We had to bring them down here to experience what we did 24 years ago."

When they woke up this morning, Cassius and Ariana had no idea they'd be spending part of their Bank Holiday Monday watching the Ipswich parade - but as big Town fans, their Nan didn't want them to miss out.

"It was a big surprise. Our Nan picked up and we were told we were coming to see them," they said.

So who are their favourite players? "We want to see Wes Burns and Sam Morsy."

Leo, 10, is hoping there might be a chance to get his Ipswich shirt signed by some of the players during the parade.

He has come along with dad Andy and elder brother Oscar, 12, who said: "It's absolutely unbelievable to see this happening to Ipswich again - 22 years of hurt, we've been through a lot of dark times but Kieran McKenna has been absolutely magical for this club.

"It's so great to see Ipswich back where we belong, in the Prem. It's great for the town as well to be back in this position."

Andy added: "Ipswich have come from the doldrums to Premier League status. So much credit to Kieran McKenna, the board, the investors, the CEO - it's a generational moment, I would say."

Here's how things are looking on the players' bus, with medals on show and drinks flowing. Jack Taylor looks very happy.

Here's how things are looking at Portman Road...

Stuart Howells

BBC News, Suffolk

Defender Cameron Burgess, whose goal against Coventry last week gave Town a vital 2-1 victory, said he has been loving life since Saturday's victory.

"It's been a whirlwind, but I can't wipe the smile off my face," he said ahead of the parade.

"I've been beeped at a million times on the dog walk this morning."

Burgess said he was looking forward to celebrating with fans, and catching up with his team-mates.

"The boys have been out enjoying themselves so we'll catch up today. Everyone's delighted. It's a special place."

"It's going to be an enjoyable day today and I'm looking forward to celebrating with the fans."

"I didn't think we'd get this far, but we've managed to do it," said Trevor Willard, 76, who is in position at Christchurch Park, just north of the town centre.

"It makes me feel very proud. We didn't spend a lot of money, and we're there."

We caught up with Cameron Burgess, George Hirst, Ali Al-Hamadi and Marcus Harness ahead of the parade.

Burgess said: "It's been a whirlwind. It's a special moment. Can't wipe the smile off my face, to be fair."

Jason Dozzell was part of the Ipswich squad who won the old Second Division title under former West Ham boss John Lyall in 1992 - getting Ipswich to the top flight in time for the formation of the Premier League.

He's found himself a good vantage point in Electric House to watch today's celebrations.

Stuart Howells

BBC News, Suffolk

It's almost time. The players will be leaving from the Playford Road training ground and heading to the ground.

There is absolutely no doubt Kieran McKenna has transformed Ipswich Town's fortunes since he became manager in December 2021.

"He's an elite level manager, he really is," says BBC Radio Suffolk's sports presenter Graeme McLoughlin.

"He is calmness personified. Two promotions in two seasons, you can't ask for more than that."

BBC Radio Suffolk has been talking about the parade all day, but the We Are Premier League bus parade special, presented by Graeme, starts at 12:00.

Lacey Harris, 15, from Halstead in Essex, was left minding the dog while her grandad popped to the shops prior to the start of the parade.

"This is my grandad's dog and she's ready for the party," she said.

"My grandad and all my family have been massive Ipswich supporters since I was born, so I've been coming to games pretty much my whole life. They've always had season tickets.

"It's mad. I can't believe it - it's all because of Kieran McKenna. I hope he stays."

Stuart Howells

BBC News, Suffolk

As he arrived for the bus parade, Town striker George Hirst admitted he's still feeling "a bit worse for wear" after the weekend's celebrations.

"It's still not really sunken in, what we've achieved," he said.

"Everyone has been thoroughly enjoying themselves, and rightly so. Hopefully today is another day the whole town can do that again."

Hirst only came back from the sick room recently, having injured a hamstring in December's 1-1 draw against Championship winners Leicester City.

Lewis Guiler, 36, and Reba Walpole, 25, are awaiting the coach's arrival at Christchurch Park.

"As you can tell by my voice we were there on Saturday," said Mr Guiler. "My voice has gone.

"We knew we were going to do it."

They said emotions were high when Wes Burns opened the scoring on Saturday.

"I cuddled some guy behind me, I didn't know who he was," Mr Guiler said. "It was such an amazing experience to see us go up."

Ms Walpole added: "That's part of it. When you go to a football match, you cuddle people."

Sheila and Suzanne Warren have travelled 30 miles from Holland-on-Sea in Essex and are hoping for an unimpeded view when the bus leaves at Portman Road.

"We came to the game on Saturday but the fans came on the pitch in front of the disabled area so we couldn't see the celebrations," said Suzanne, who went to her first game as a 13-year-old, 32 years ago.

"This is our chance to see the players with their medals and the trophy and experience what we missed out on at the weekend.

"I thought we'd do really well and could get promoted, but I don't think I ever believed it would end up quite like this. They've just been amazing."

Alice Cunningham

BBC News, Suffolk

Arlo the dog is showing his support for the Town at Christchurch Park.

Nathan Richardson, who referees junior football matches for the Holbrook Hornets, is here with his sons Charlie and Theo.

"I am lucky to have the memories of the play-off final [in 2000], so happy that my boys can have the memories of today!

"We were in Sunderland for the first kick, here for the last - magical!"

Dan Lightfoot, the owner of the Greyhound pub in Ipswich, says Saturday's celebrations were memorable - but a long time coming after years of relative mediocrity for Ipswich Town.

"We've had some very boring days at the pub," said Mr Lightfoot, 49.

"There was one day I had a shepherd's pie in the oven and I decided to go for that rather than go to football, because I was so bored with it all.

"It's unbelievable now. The crowd, the atmosphere.

"Thank goodness we did it.

"The past two years have been such a boost for all the pubs and restaurants around the town - long may it continue."

Stuart Howells

BBC News, Suffolk

Two buses have been decorated and are ready to go.