Rio Homecoming Parade – Wednesday 28th September

Join us in Leeds city centre to welcome back our Rio Heroes!

Celebrate the achievements of Yorkshire’s Olympians and Paralympians

Welcome to Yorkshire in association with Leeds City Council are excited to welcome back Yorkshire’s Olympic and Paralympic athletes with a special homecoming parade.

On Wednesday 28^th September, a carnival atmosphere will take hold of the city as the athletes are welcomed home in true Yorkshire style.

Parade celebrations will commence at 5.15pm, and we would love to see the people of Yorkshire come out in force to line the city centre route and cheer on these inspiring men and women.

Already confirmed for the parade – organised in partnership with Welcome to Yorkshire – are a host of athletes. Those already set to attend include:

•    Rowers Andy Triggs Hodge and Paul Bennett who both claimed gold.
•    World, European and Paralympic champion Hannah Cockroft MBE who won gold in Rio in the T34 100m, T34 400m and T34 800m.
•    Diver and gold medallist, Jack Laugher.
•    Triathletes Alistair and Jonny Brownlee who earned gold and silver medals respectively.
•    Vicky Holland who won bronze in the triathlon.
•    Bronze medal gymnast, Nile Wilson.
•    Rowing silver medallist, Zoe Lee.
•    Paralympic swimmer, Jonathan Booth.
•    Paralympic Cycling Pilot double gold medallist, Adam Duggleby.

World, European and Paralympic Champion Hannah Cockroft MBE, who is from Halifax and trains in Leeds, said:

“The buzz here in Rio is incredible as I prepare to compete in my remaining races, I’ve been overwhelmed by the number of goodwill messages from fans back home. I’m so proud to be bringing back my 100m Gold medal for Yorkshire and hopefully a couple more, I can’t wait to be part of the homecoming parade!”

This event, which has been organised with support from other local authorities across the region, does not replace homecoming celebrations that some councils are hosting for individual athletes.

The Parade Route

Beginning on The Headrow outside Leeds Art Gallery, the route of the parade will take a right turn onto Park Row before heading down to City Square where it will then take a left turn on to Boar Lane. The buses will then take a left onto Briggate, before making one final left onto The Headrow and returning outside Leeds Art Gallery. With viewing spots available right along the route, those in attendance will have the chance to cheer and see up close their Yorkshire Rio Heroes in different areas and locations of the city centre.

As the parade travels the route, all roads above will be closed temporarily to all traffic on a rolling closure basis under police escort for up to one hour. To help safely facilitate the parade, some longer-term road closures and other traffic management are also required at key points along the parade route:

•    The Headrow, Calverley St to Cookridge Street.
•    Cookridge St, Headrow to Gt George St.

Rio Heros parade route