BOROUGH Council chiefs are promising Warrington Wolves a heroes welcome when they return to the town after Saturday’s Carnegie Challenge Cup Final – win or lose.
There will be a fabulous homecoming parade for the team to mark their achievement in reaching for the first time in nearly 20 years. 
The parade will start at 4pm when the team will climb aboard an open-top bus to take them from The Halliwell Jones Stadium to the Town Hall, giving local
supporters the chance to line the route and cheer their sporting heroes home.
The procession will take around 45 minutes to get to the Town Hall where the gathered crowds will see the Mayor officially welcome the team home.
There will be short speeches by the Mayor, Coun Brian Axcell, Wolves’ chairman Lord Doug Hoyle, head of coaching and rugby Tony Smith, skipper Adrian Morley and Lee Briers, the longest serving member of the current team.
Wolves players and their families, coaching staff and club directors will then join the Mayor and Mayoress and other distinguished guests for a civic reception in the Town Hall.
Access to the front lawns of the Town Hall will be available from 3pm onwards where Dominic Walker, Wolves match day MC, will be there to entertain the crowds and provide updates on the progress of the procession as it makes its way through the town.
The procession will take in Winwick Road, Winwick Street, Scotland Road, Academy Street, Barbauld Street, Wilson Patten Street, Winmarleigh Street, Sankey Street.
Speeches at the Town Hall are expected to start at 5.15pm
A council spokeswoman said: “The procession route has been designed to allow fans excellent views of the open-top bus as it makes its way through the town.
“Disabled access to the Town Hall lawns will be via Bath Street. A dedicated disabled area with prime views will be provided.
“There will be no parking available at the Town Hall for this event, free Sunday parking is available at Warrington Market and Golden Square.”
Diana Terris, chief executive of the council and a director of Warrington Wolves said: “There is such a buzz of excitement throughout the borough as Warrington Wolves head off to Wembley to play in the final on Saturday. The procession gives us all a chance to get together and celebrate the team’s fantastic achievement.
“The council, Warrington Wolves, the police and fire services are all working very hard to make sure the procession goes ahead safely and we ask that the public behave responsibly on the day to ensure nothing spoils this wonderful event.”
The Mayor said: “I wish Wolves every success in the final and look forward to welcoming them home in style along with all their fans at the parade.”
Andy Gatcliffe, Wolves’ chief executive, said: “It has been a long time since the club and the fans have had a Wembley final to look forward to. The Wolves are proud to have such a loyal fan base and we would like to thank you all for your support and best wishes.
“The homecoming parade will be a great opportunity for fans, players, sponsors and the town of Warrington to join together in celebrating the team’s great cup run.
“We would like all fans to join us in welcoming the team back from Wembley for what is set to be a great family event.”
Picture: The Wolves’ parade route
Wolves will get a heroes' welcome
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About Author
Gary Skentelbery
Experienced journalist for more than 40 years. Managing Director of magazine publishing group with three in-house titles and on-line daily newspaper for Warrington. Experienced writer, photographer, PR consultant and media expert having written for local, regional and national newspapers. Specialties: PR, media, social networking, photographer, networking, advertising, sales, media crisis management. Chair of Warrington Healthwatch Director Warrington Chamber of Commerce Patron Tim Parry Johnathan Ball Foundation for Peace. Trustee Warrington Disability Partnership. Former Chairman of Warrington Town FC.
