Whitstable open-top bus parade celebrates cup win

Stuart Maisner
BBC News, South East
Jacob Panons/BBC Open-top bus parade in WhitstableJacob Panons/BBC
A parade is winding its way through Whitstable on Saturday morning

An open-top bus parade has take place in Whitstable to celebrate the town's football club winning the FA Vase.

Whitstable Town FC came from behind to beat AFC Whyteleafe 2-1 in the final at Wembley Stadium on Sunday, taking the trophy for the first time in the club's history.

Saturday's parade started from Whitstable Harbour and made its way through the town finishing at The Primcura Healthcare Stadium.

A club spokesperson said: "We look forward to celebrating this unforgettable moment with all our supporters."

Jacob Panons/BBC Whitstable Town players in front of an open-top bus in the town's harbourJacob Panons/BBC
Players gathered at Whitstable harbour to start their parade through the town

The club thanked its "countless volunteers" who had "given their time" to steward the procession.

"Your hard work and dedication - especially with such short notice - have made this celebration possible."

Post-parade celebrations at the ground include a player awards ceremony, a chance to meet and greet the players as well as photo opportunities with the FA Vase trophy.

Getty Images Whitstable Town players wearing red shirts celebrate winning the FA Vase at Wembley with player in centre holding aloft the trophyGetty Images
Whitstable Town won the FA Vase for the first time with victory over AFC Whyteleafe

The FA Vase features teams playing in steps 5 and 6 of the English National League system - Whitstable play in the Southern Counties East Football League.

A spokesperson for Canterbury City Council said: "Whitstable Town's incredible achievement at Wembley on Sunday, which was such a historic moment in the club's history, deserves to be properly celebrated.

"It's great news that everyone involved has come together to make it happen and we hope it's a wonderful occasion where the players and club can bask in the glory they so richly deserve."

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