ISLINGTON — The Metropolitan Police is deploying more than 500 officers for Arsenal's trophy parade in Islington on Sunday, 31 May 2026, marking one of its largest policing operations of the year. The parade is scheduled to begin at 2pm and will follow a route starting on Holloway Road from Drayton Park, continuing east along Seven Sisters Road, then through Blackstock Road, Mount Grove Road, Green Lanes, Petherton Road, Beresford Road, Newington Green Road, Essex Road, turning north at Angel Underground station onto Upper Street, and ending near Highbury and Islington Station before returning to Holloway Road.
Specialist drone and search teams will also be deployed during the event to support security efforts. Roads along the entire parade route, including adjacent side streets, will be subject to temporary closures and parking suspensions. The Emirates Stadium, Drayton Park, and surrounding roads will be closed and inaccessible to the public throughout the day.
Transport disruptions will affect several Tube and rail stations in the area. Holloway Road, Drayton Park, and Essex Road stations will be closed. Highbury & Islington Tube station will not have Victoria line stops, and London Overground services there will be exit-only with no step-free access. Canonbury station will operate as exit-only, and Caledonian Road station may become exit-only or skip stops if overcrowded. Finsbury Park station will remain open for both entry and exit and is recommended for supporters needing step-free access, though Thameslink services to and from central London will be suspended due to planned engineering works.
Commander Stuart Bell said: "The parade is an opportunity for Arsenal supporters to celebrate, and we want everyone attending to enjoy the day safely." He added: "There will be a police presence along the route throughout the event, supporting event organisers and stewarding operations. Officers will respond to incidents where necessary." Bell also stated: "We expect the vast majority of those attending on Sunday to do so safely and responsibly. However, anti-social behaviour, violence or any other type of criminality will not be tolerated. Officers will take action against anyone attempting to cause disruption or harm."
London Overground services across the area are expected to be extremely busy. Highbury & Islington and Canonbury stations will remain unavailable after the parade ends due to ongoing crowd management measures.