- ParalympicsGB and Team GB stars join the official homecoming celebrations
- Max Whitlock, Nicola Adams, Joanna Roswell Shand and the women's hockey team among the stars gracing both events.
Two days of national celebrations for the record-breaking Olympic and Paralympic athletes who thrilled the nation at the Rio Games will kick off with the Heroes’ Parade in Manchester on Monday (17 October), followed by a Heroes’ Return in London on Tuesday (18 October).
Thousands of sporting fans are set to line the streets of Manchester on Monday afternoon as the homecoming procession for the ParalympicsGB and Team GB heroes gets underway at 4.30pm. Jessica Ennis Hill, Dame Sarah Storey, Helen Glover, Jonnie Peacock, Jade Jones and Nick Skelton are just some of the champions who will delight the crowds as part of the Heroes’ Parade, which starts at the Museum of Science and Industry.
Manchester’s parade climaxes in Albert Square where Match of the Day favourite Mark Chapman and Blue Peter star Helen Skelton will MC a special event beginning at 5.30pm, featuring music from Olly Murs and Rebecca Ferguson plus interviews with GB stars of Rio and big screen highlights of the Olympic and Paralympic Games.
It will be followed by a jubilant celebration in the heart of London the next day. The Queen’s Bands of the Grenadier Guards and Coldstream Guards will provide a spectacular opening to the event in Trafalgar Square from 1pm. Then the Olympic and Paralympic teams including Jade Jones, Joanna Rowsell Shand, Georgie Hermitage, Tom Daley, Adam Peaty, Jody Cundy and Zoe Newson will be introduced to the crowds for a celebration that will include big-screen footage of their achievements in Rio, as well as music performances.
The exciting stage line-up will be led by BBC Presenter and Strictly Come Dancing star Ore Oduba, acclaimed retired Paralympian Tanni Grey-Thompson and Paralympic swimming champion Christopher Holmes.
Sports Minister Tracey Crouch said: "Our Olympic and Paralympic heroes made the nation proud with their dedication, talent and incredible success in Rio. Now is the time for the public to come out on to the streets of Manchester and London and show their appreciation for these amazing athletes. This two day celebration will be a fitting tribute to Team GB and ParalympicsGB's fantastic efforts that gave us so many wonderful medal moments."
The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: “Our Olympic and Paralympic heroes have inspired millions of people all over the country and I’m incredibly proud of their amazing, record-breaking achievements. Over the next few days, the nation will come together to show our gratitude and to celebrate everything our Olympic and Paralympic athletes have achieved. They deserve nothing less than a real heroes' return in the heart of the capital and I urge all Londoners to get down to Trafalgar Square on Tuesday to cheer them on.”
Cllr Sue Murphy, Deputy Leader of Manchester City Council, said: “The day is almost upon us and the excitement is palpable in Manchester. We are so proud to host the national parade for our Olympic and Paralympic Heroes and I’d like to encourage as many people as are able to get out into the city centre and cheer on the athletes.
“The event in Albert Square will be a fantastic show and we’re all looking forward to hearing from some of the biggest names of the Games. Albert Square will be busy but there will also be big screens across the city centre, which will give some of the best views of the event. We look forward to seeing you in Manchester on Monday.”
Team GB won 67 medals at Rio 2016, making history as the first ever nation to achieve more medals at an away Games having previously hosted. They also won more medals across more sports than at London 2012. In Rio they won medals across 19 sports, compared to 17 in London, and finished second in the medals table.
ParalympicsGB won 147 medals and also finished second in the medal table. Their medal count was the highest since National Lottery funding was introduced for elite athletes in 1997. They smashed their medal target of 121 medals and won medals across 15 sports.
Notes to editors
EVENT TIMINGS & FURTHER DETAIL
Heroes’ Parade in Manchester – 17 October, 4.30pm
- The event is completely free, but capacity is limited in Albert Square and access will be restricted when the space is full.
- Note: Albert Square will be closed during the day on Monday as the event is prepared. Access to the public will be open mid to late afternoon.
- However, crowds are encouraged to line the streets and fill the city’s squares where giant screens will provide the best views in the house of the parade and the event in Albert Square.
- The parade itself will begin at 4.30pm from Liverpool Road, travel the length of Deansgate to Hunts Bank, round through to Corporation Street, Cross Street and into Albert Square.
www.manchester.gov.uk/heroesparade
Heroes’ Return in London – 18 October, 1pm
- The event is completely free, but capacity is limited in Trafalgar Square and access will be restricted when the space is full although a big screen at the rear of the Square will be available if the Square fills to capacity.
- Trafalgar Square will be open to the public from 11am, with entertainment beginning at midday and the main show at 1pm. Spectators are encouraged to arrive early.
www.london.gov.uk/events/2016-10-18/heroes-return-london