Arsenal plan 9km open-top bus parade through Islington on May 31 after Champions League final

Arsenal have announced a trophy parade through Islington on Sunday, May 31, bringing together their men’s and women’s squads in a joint celebration following the Champions League final. More than 500,000 supporters are expected to attend, making it one of the largest public events in the club’s recent history.

The parade begins at 2pm, with organisers urging fans to arrive well ahead of time to secure a viewing spot before crowds peak. The route covers 9km, travelling up Holloway Road, around Seven Sisters, through Blackstock Road onto Newington Green, and down Essex Road before turning right at Angel station onto Upper Street. Notably, the route does not pass the Emirates Stadium.

In a departure from tradition, the club has scrapped the customary stationary trophy lift outside Islington Town Hall. Given the scale of the expected crowd, the open-top buses will keep moving throughout the route to help disperse supporters safely and reduce the risk of dangerous congestion.

Fans are specifically warned not to gather on Hornsey Road, Benwell Road or Drayton Park, as the buses will not be visible from those locations. The Emirates Stadium and its immediately surrounding roads will be closed to the public on the day.

Islington Council will implement road closures and parking bans from as early as 4am, with restrictions expected to remain in place until approximately 8pm. Public transport across central and north London will be under significant pressure, with several local bus routes subject to diversions. Supporters travelling to the event are advised to check Transport for London’s website in advance and, where possible, consider arriving the night before to avoid delays.