A party 22 years in the making: Arsenal’s Premier League title parade is underway, with fans turning north London into sea of red in celebration of heroes – as they banish Champions League heartache

The despair caused by Arsenal’s defeat on penalties in the Champions League final turned into a demonstration of joy and celebration as tens of thousands of fans lined up on the streets of North London.

Players and staff boarded a double-decker bus for a five-mile loop as the Premier League champions claimed their first league title in 22 years.

Supporters traveled from far and wide to join and salute their heroes along the way; many secured the best vantage points hours in advance.

A sea of ​​flags, flares and red Arsenal jerseys gathered on London’s tubes and buses to head towards the route.

And shortly after the scheduled kick-off time of 2pm, the bus emerged from the red smoke billowing from the Emirates Stadium.

Mikel Arteta and captain Martin Odegaard posed with the Premier League trophy shining between them.

The bus set off from the Emirates Stadium having won the top flight title for the first time since 2004.

Tens of thousands of supporters lined the streets of north London for the parade

The manager was seen wearing sunglasses, while Declan Rice took a seat at the front of the upper deck and even the seven-foot tall mascot Gunnersaurus came along for the ride.

The bus moved at crawling speed, allowing fans on both sides of the barriers (20 rows deep in places) to watch the squad bring home the title for extended periods of time.

Gabriel, who missed the critical penalty hours ago that helped Arsenal lose to PSG in the Champions League final, was wearing a black hat and glasses in front of the bus.

Four buses are participating in the competition; one carries the men’s team, one carries the staff, another carries the women’s team, and another carries community leaders, some fans and more staff.

In front of them is the entertainment truck featuring emcee, Femi Koleoso from Ezra Collective and DJ Sammy Virji.

The club’s last win was in the 2003/04 season, but the drought has finally ended and the 23-degree weather, with light clouds, set the mood for raucous celebration.

Security is tight at one of the most heavily policed ​​events this year, with more than 500 officers, a drone team and specialist search parties on the streets.

Commander Stuart Bell, the officer leading the public order operation, said: ‘We want everyone involved to enjoy the day safely.’

Every spot where a young fan climbed to get a better vantage point was filled

One man even climbed a tree to get a better view of the team and the bus carrying the championship.

‘We expect the vast majority of those attending on Sunday to do so safely and responsibly.

‘However, anti-social behaviour, violence or any other crime will not be tolerated. ‘Officers will take action against anyone who attempts to disrupt order or cause harm.’

More to follow…