Manchester City parade set to attracts thousands

Tens of thousands of Manchester City fans are expected to line the streets later for a victory parade after the club won the Premier League title.

City clinched the championship - their first since 1968 - with a dramatic 3-2 win over Queens Park Rangers on Sunday, pipping local rivals Manchester United.

The players will parade through the city in an open-top bus, starting at Albert Square at 18:30 BST.

It will travel on a 1.8 mile route, due to end in Corporation Street at 19:45.

City had led the league for much of the season but were overtaken by United, who were eight points clear with six games to go. But the Old Trafford side dropped points in several of their last few games and City went in to the final day knowing a win would make them champions.

But QPR led 2-1 after 90 minutes and Manchester City needed two injury time goals to win the game and clinch the title.

Sir Richard Leese, leader of Manchester City Council, said: "Having the city's two clubs contest the title has brought Manchester worldwide attention and helped boost tourism revenues.

"It's been a nail-biting finish to the season and the council stood ready to support a parade whichever club triumphed.

"This parade is an opportunity for Man City fans, who have experienced countless ups and downs over the years, to celebrate a resounding success.

"We expect tens of thousands to take to the streets and enjoy an historic moment."

Albert Square will be open to the public from 16:00 for the build-up to the parade and free entertainment, on a non-ticketed, first-come-first-served basis.

The players will take part in a question and answer session from 18:00 before beginning the bus-top procession through the city centre.

Over the years City have been mocked by United fans, who, until City's FA Cup win last year, had documented their wait for a trophy with a banner at Old Trafford's Stretford End.

When Manchester United were eight points clear in early April, leading high street bookmaker Betfred, founded by United fan Fred Done, paid out more than half a million pounds to punters who had backed the Red Devils. Mr Done said on Twitter the lead "was just too much for City" and "I've not got it wrong this time".

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