Blues parade

MANCHESTER City will hold a victory parade on May 23 to celebrate winning the FA Cup.

The event will start at 6pm on the day after the end of the current Barclays Premier League season and will give City supporters the chance to celebrate their first major trophy since their League Cup success in 1976.

Garry Cook, City’s chief executive officer, hailed the achievements of the team and thanked Manchester City Council for their invitation to parade the trophy.

“Saturday was a truly historic occasion for Manchester City Football Club and we are delighted to be bringing the FA Cup trophy back to Manchester,” he said.

The council’s invitation follows their earlier announcement that they would also organise a parade for Premier League winners Manchester United and Sir Richard Leese, the leader of Manchester City Council, said it was ‘fitting’ to allow Roberto Mancini’s side the chance to honour their triumph along with their fans.

“City winning the FA Cup is a joyous occasion for many people in Manchester. It’s only fitting that we host a public celebration of that achievement so fans can share the moment and enjoy the success,” he said.