Liverpool has been almost literally on the beach over the past few weeks, but it has earned that right, having long since wrapped up the Premier League title. It will finally be handed the trophy after the last game of the season next weekend, and a parade will take place the following day.
The presentation will take place at Anfield following the game against Crystal Palace. Virgil van Dijk will claim his second piece of silverware as captain; he shared his first celebration with Jurgen Klopp at Wembley last year after the Carabao Cup, but he might hoist a trophy aloft on his own for the first time on this occasion.
It remains to be seen what sort of role the vice-captain plays in the trophy lift and the parade. Trent Alexander-Arnold has played a big part in this season’s success, but has inevitably soured the celebrations for himself, and cannot expect an entirely uncritical reception from supporters.
But Liverpool will be determined not to make any of the coming festivities about Alexander-Arnold. This is not just Arne Slot’s first title, it is a record-equalling 20th for the club, and the first Premier League triumph that fans have been able to properly celebrate.
Supporters will line the city in their droves for the parade, which is scheduled for Bank Holiday Monday, May 26th, the day after the final game of the season. It will be the first parade since Liverpool celebrated a domestic cup double in 2022, mere hours after defeat in the Champions League final.
The club is expecting around 750,000 fans to turn out for the event. With Radio 1’s Big Weekend running from Friday to Sunday as well, it’s a huge logistical challenge for the city, albeit one that is bound to be highly lucrative for the economy.
The parade route is approximately 10 miles (15 kilometers) long. It will begin at Allerton Maze, ending on Blundell Street.
Fans will no doubt line the entire route, which will pass along Queens Drive, Mill Bank, the West Derby Road, Islington, Leeds Street and The Strand on the way to its final destination. It is expected to take anywhere between three and five hours, although even that is little more than a rough estimate.
(Image: Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
The parade begins at 14:30 BST, allowing for more time than in previous years. The 2022 parade began at 16:00.
The start time this year is 09:30 Eastern Time, and 06:30 Pacific Time. Those not in Liverpool for the parade can stream it live on Liverpool’s official channels.
Naturally, there are public safety challenges around handling such large crowds. The council has warned anyone attending in person that flares and drones are not permitted.
Culture Liverpool has published a full list of FAQs about the event. They advise against bringing pets to the parade, or attempting to drive into the city on the day.
There will be a series of road closures. Some will be in place throughout the day, while others are currently due to be in place only as the parade approaches, unless crowd volume dictates otherwise.
Van Dijk has urged supporters to wear red for the event. The captain has been campaigning for more fans to display club colors throughout the latter part of this season — but whatever people choose to wear, the spectacle in Liverpool next Monday is bound to be something to behold.
