Fans line streets to mark Bromley FC's promotion

Harry Low
News imageBromley Council Red open top London style bus with football players on the top cheering, driving down a street lined with supporters as well as multiple men in high-viz vestsBromley Council
The open-top bus went on a parade down Bromley High Street
Winnie Agbonlahor

Hundreds of football fans have lined the streets of Bromley, in south-east London, to celebrate their football club's promotion to League One.

Bromley's players marked the achievement with an open-top bus parade in the town. They were cheered on by supporters along the route on Bromley High Street.

Machel Hewitt, 44, joined the celebrations with his daughter Aurora. He said: "It's good to see what the club has meant for the borough.

"I remember seeing this club when there weren't many people that watched them and to see where we are now, where the whole borough wants to come out and celebrate their promotion to League One is great, and it's what they deserve."

News imageMachel with his daughter, both smiling into the camera. Machel is wearing a brightly coloured shirt with a blue jacket, as well as a baseball cap.
Machel Hewitt, 44, joined the celebrations with his daughter Aurora

Simon Elwell was also among supporters. He said: "I'm really excited. Going up to League One is fantastic."

News imageSimon Elwell smiling looking at the camera, on a pavement, with a family of one mother and three boys and a police officer in the background
Simon Elwell was among supporters celebrating Bromley's promotion

John Penruddocke, 51, who joined the parade with his wife Orla and daughter Eimear, said: "It's really exciting to be part of something like this.

"It's also a little scary how much it takes over your life.

"I was in the States last week, and all I talked about was Bromley FC."

News imageleft to right: Eimear, Orla and John Penruddocke. Everyone is smiling looking directly into the camera, pictured outside with crowds of people in the background
John Penruddocke, pictured with Orla and Eimear

Bromley manager Andy Woodman said: "It's been fantastic. It's great that the town of Bromley's turned out.

"The crowds were phenomenal, probably bigger than we've ever experienced before. So it's just nice that we've been able to give this town something to cheer about and they've embraced us and enjoyed it with us."

Bromley chairman Robin Stanton-Gleaves said: "I'm ecstatic! We're going to League One!"

Asked if he ever thought this would happen, he said: "Yes, just not now. We've always had a plan, always had a journey, we're just way ahead of it."

Fans were able to carry on celebrating after the parade at a promotion party at the CopperJax Community Stadium, which included meet-and-greet opportunities with players as well as autograph signings.

Listen to the best of BBC Radio London on Sounds and follow BBC London on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to hello.bbclondon@bbc.co.uk

Related internet links