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Eddie Howe succeeded where so many of his predecessors failed by delivering Newcastle a major domestic trophy - Getty Images/Jacques Feeney
Newcastle United’s Carabao Cup celebration party will be attended by more than 100,000 people with thousands more lining the streets for an open-top bus parade through the city centre.
The club have been stunned by the level of interest in people wishing to attend the ‘Party on the Moor’ event and after days of talks with Newcastle City Council and Northumbria Police, a short parade, starting at St James’ Park, should be confirmed in the next 24 hours.
Having won their first major trophy since the Fairs Cup success of 1969, the whole city will be able to join in the celebrations as they pay tribute to manager Eddie Howe and his players.
There had been some criticism of the decision to make the centrepiece of the celebrations a ticket-only event on the Town Moor, which is a short drive from St James’ Park, as it would deprive many – especially those with young children – of a chance to see their heroes.
But tens of thousands of people have still registered to attend the event which will start with a full replay of the victory over Liverpool at Wembley in the afternoon.
With players and staff then appearing on stage, it will also include live music and DJs, although local artist Sam Fender – who had been asked to perform last week – will not, as things stand, be taking part.
A light show from shirt sponsors Sela is also thought to be in the pipeline with full details of the line-up and schedule to be confirmed in the next few days.
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Newcastle fans will have another chance to celebrate the club’s Carabao Cup win - Reuters/David Klein
However, as revealed by Telegraph Sport last week, the intention was to always include a parade through the city to mark Newcastle’s first domestic trophy success since 1955’s FA Cup win for those who do not wish to be at an event lasting several hours.
And the city council insisted on Monday that it would not block a parade as long as the proper safety measures are put in place.
City council leader Karen Kilgour, a lifelong Newcastle fan, said: “Newcastle United’s cup win was an outstanding achievement, and the joy of that success has been felt right across the city since that historic day at Wembley, an occasion I was honoured to experience in person.
“Eddie Howe and his team have written themselves into Newcastle folklore, and it’s right that people want to honour them. As early as Tuesday, I’d put the wheels in motion to confer Eddie with the city’s highest honour by nominating him for Honorary Freedom of the City. I know what this means to Newcastle.
“Like all supporters, at the council we’re keen to celebrate this historic occasion and we’ve been working closely with the club, the emergency services, the Freemen and other partners to support their plans in any way we can. Our teams have guided and advised in any way they’ve been able, we haven’t blocked the holding of a parade, and we’ve been doing our utmost to facilitate the plans the club have presented.
“The anticipated crowds for Saturday’s celebration, to mark the end of a 70-year wait for domestic silverware, are expected to make it among the biggest events ever held in the city. The safety of those attending and the local communities and businesses affected by this must be the priority of all partners involved. The widespread impact needs to be thoroughly assessed to ensure it can go ahead safely, but it is wrong to suggest we have said ‘no’ to a parade through our beloved city.
“Our teams will continue to liaise with the club and other partners to make this the best celebration it can possibly be to recognise the magnitude of the club’s success and, just as importantly, what it means to our city and our residents.
“We’re all keen to see a spectacular event, that is free and accessible to everybody who wishes to be part of this moment in history, and we look forward to working with partners to see further details announced as soon as they can be. As a lifelong fan I remember the parades through the city centre when we didn’t even lift a trophy. They were special memories and I want children and families in this city to have that same experience on an even bigger and better scale.”
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