Northampton Celebrates Saints’ Premiership Triumph
Image: James Burridge/BBC
The streets of Northampton were alive with joy and celebration as thousands of fans gathered to honour the Northampton Saints’ triumphant Premiership title win. The excitement was palpable as the club secured the crown in a nail-biting match against Bath at Twickenham on Saturday.
The festivities kicked off with an open-top bus parade that wound its way through the town centre, starting at 14:00 BST and culminating at the Guildhall at 14:30. Fans, some of whom admitted to “sobbing like a baby” after the win, described the club’s first Premiership victory in a decade as both “emotional” and “amazing.”
Eager supporters began lining the streets early, with many like Kerry and her family setting up chairs in prime spots to ensure a perfect view of the team. “We are festival-goers, so we have come prepared with our chairs because we know a lot about waiting at the barriers,” Kerry explained.
Stephen Stevenson, another devoted fan, reminisced about witnessing the Saints’ previous title win in 2014. “I was there when we won 10 years ago and watching them win again… I sobbed like a baby,” he shared.
Even the dogs of Northampton joined in the celebrations, donning Saints merchandise and enjoying the lively atmosphere. As the parade neared the Guildhall, the crowd swelled to thousands, leaving little room to spare. Cheers erupted as the buses came into view, with fans breaking into a chorus of Queen’s “We Are The Champions.”
At 14:30, the team took to the stage at the Guildhall, lifting the Premiership trophy to the delight of the crowd. It was a poignant moment for many players, including flanker Lewis Ludlam and lock Alex Moon, who are both heading to France next season. Ludlam described the win as “a fairytale,” while Moon said it was “everything I could have hoped it could be.”
After mingling with fans and signing autographs, the players boarded the bus once more around 15:40. Even as the bus departed, the chants and celebrations continued, with fans reluctant to let the joyous moment end.
By 16:00, council workers were on the streets, tidying up after the event. Now, fans eagerly await the return of Premiership rugby in September.
