It’s a moment of history for Newcastle United fans as the team prepares to parade the Carabao Cup through the city on Saturday.
After 70 long years without a domestic trophy, this victory has become a landmark event for Tyneside, reigniting a sense of pride that’s been waiting decades to surface.
The streets will be alive with celebration as players and fans alike commemorate this long-awaited win.
The moment will culminate in a party at the Town Moor, where the cup will be displayed to the thousands of supporters who have patiently waited for this day.
A Glimpse into Newcastle’s Past: The 1952 FA Cup Parade
The streets of Newcastle have seen their fair share of memorable moments, and one that stands out in history is the 1952 FA Cup victory parade.
It’s hard not to draw parallels between that triumph and the current Carabao Cup win, as both represent not only success on the pitch but also the spirit and heart of the city.
It was May 5, 1952, and as Newcastle United’s FA Cup-winning heroes made their way through the streets, the city’s pride was palpable.
Fans gathered, children perched on shoulders, and the whole community poured out to celebrate as the players waved from their buses.
The overcast weather couldn’t dampen the joy that radiated from every corner of the city.
The Legacy of Newcastle’s Trophy Celebrations: Then and Now
Looking back at that 1952 parade, you can almost feel the energy of the moment.
As players like Jackie Milburn and Joe Harvey stood on top of the buses, waving to the cheering crowd, the connection between the team and the city was undeniable.
The scene was captured at the heart of Newcastle’s city center, with Grey’s Monument towering in the background.
A quarter of a million people lined the streets, proudly showing their black-and-white scarves, rattles, and infectious smiles.
Fast forward to today, and the significance of a trophy parade hasn’t changed.
While the city’s streets may look a little different, the feeling of pride and joy is just as strong.
Whether it’s the 1952 FA Cup or the Carabao Cup of today, these victories hold deep meaning for the people of Newcastle, who’ve supported their team through thick and thin.
Recollections from Those Who Witnessed the 1952 Parade
To better understand what these celebrations meant, I spoke with Bob Richardson, a 92-year-old who witnessed the 1952 parade firsthand.
Back then, Bob was a 21-year-old commerce student at Newcastle University.
Although he couldn’t afford to attend the Wembley final, he was there at Haymarket, waiting for the victorious team’s arrival.
The mood was electric, and for Bob, the parade represented a new era after the difficult war years.
It was a reminder of how sport could unite people, especially after a period of hardship.
The 1952 parade was a unique one, with players riding in buses that had a sunroof and a platform inside.
This design was a far cry from today’s open-top buses, but it was enough to give fans a glimpse of their heroes, touching the cup and sharing in the excitement.
For Bob, the excitement of that moment, coming so soon after the sadness of George VI’s death, was unforgettable.
It was a much-needed dose of joy for the city.
Modern-Day Grey Street and the Spirit of the Parade
Today, as shoppers hustle in and out of the Metro station on Grey Street, it’s easy to overlook the historic significance of the area.
But for those who remember the 1952 parade, Grey Street holds a special place in their hearts.
The stone ledge where a young woman once perched during the parade is still there, a small yet poignant reminder of the past.
And though the architecture of the area has changed over time, the spirit of that day lives on in the memories of those who were there.
It’s a feeling that will no doubt come rushing back as Newcastle United’s current heroes parade their Carabao Cup through the same streets.
From the energetic celebrations of 1952 to the modern-day success, these moments represent more than just football victories—they represent a shared experience that bonds a city together.
As Newcastle g