Nottingham fans get Old Market Square promotion party

Nottingham will mark Notts County’s promotion to Sky Bet League One with a city-centre homecoming event at Old Market Square on Tuesday 26 May 2026.

The celebration follows County’s Play Off Final victory over Salford City at Wembley and will see players and club officials appear on the Council House balcony with the trophy.

The event is being arranged as a family-friendly gathering during the school half-term break. Supporters are being asked to plan their arrival carefully, follow the safety rules for the square and prepare for hot weather during the city centre reception.

The essentials for Tuesday’s celebration

• Event: Notts County promotion homecoming
• Date: Tuesday 26 May 2026
• Location: Old Market Square, Nottingham
• Start time: 3pm
• Arrival advice: Supporters should arrive no earlier than 2pm
• Expected disruption: Bus and tram changes between 2pm and 4.30pm
• Restrictions: No alcohol, flares, pyrotechnics or smoke bombs

The timing matters because preparations will still be taking place before the square opens for supporters. Nottingham City Council has asked people not to arrive before 2pm so the site can be made ready before the homecoming begins.

Players to appear on the Council House balcony

Notts County players and club officials are due to take to the Council House balcony during the celebration, giving supporters a city-centre moment to mark the club’s return to English football’s third tier.

The balcony appearance is expected to be the main public focus of the afternoon, with the trophy shown to supporters gathered in Old Market Square.

The council has framed the event as a family occasion, with the school half-term date likely to make it easier for younger supporters to attend. Anyone heading into the city should expect a busy square and short-notice changes around public transport.

What supporters should bring and avoid

Hot weather is expected to continue on Tuesday, so attendees are being encouraged to wear hats, use sunscreen and bring water bottles.

A free drinking water point will be available at the event. The advice is aimed at reducing pressure on families and supporters who may be standing in the square during the warmest part of the afternoon.

Alcohol is not permitted at the event. Flares, pyrotechnics and smoke bombs are also banned from Old Market Square.

Those restrictions apply to the square itself and are intended to keep the homecoming safe for families, younger fans and city-centre visitors who may not be attending the celebration.

Promotion secured after Wembley play-off win

Notts County’s homecoming comes after the club beat Salford City in the Play Off Final at Wembley.

The result sends County into Sky Bet League One for the first time since 2015, ending an 11-year wait for a place back in the third tier.

The promotion also comes after a tense end to the league campaign. County missed out on automatic promotion on the final day of the season before securing their place through the play-offs.

Nottingham City Council leader Neghat Khan congratulated head coach Martin Paterson, the squad, staff, owners, board and supporters, saying the promotion followed a “rollercoaster season”.

Khan said she was looking forward to attending Tuesday’s event and hoped Notts County supporters, families and city residents would join the celebration.

Road, bus and tram changes around the square

Large crowds are expected in and around Old Market Square, so some road closures and diversions will be put in place.

Bus and tram services are expected to be disrupted for a short time during the event window, with changes likely between 2pm and 4.30pm. Services may also be subject to short-notice alterations depending on crowd movement and city-centre conditions.

Supporters travelling into Nottingham should allow extra time, check live service updates before setting off and be ready for diversions around the square.

Source: Nottingham City Council