THE party began outside the Goldsands Stadium and reached its climax in the Square as AFC Bournemouth’s open top bus parade pulled into town.

Thousands of fans crammed into the centre of Bournemouth to celebrate the remarkable promotion to the Championship.

Never mind the small matter of being pipped at the post to the League One title by last-gasp Doncaster Rovers.

“We are going up, we are going up,” they chanted.

And in reality that was all that mattered.

See all our pictures of the victory bus tour here in our gallery

As the red bus inched slowly into the Square with the players, family members and Eddie Howe and Jason Tindall, the crowds besieged it, applauding their heroes and receiving applause in return for their loyal support.

There plenty of chants too for Howe, Tindall and Cherries legend Steve Fletcher, who together have masterminded the team’s surge up the table, from relegation favourites to promotion contenders.

They are in the big time again.

Earlier, at the stadium, fans reflected on a remarkable season and the excitement that lies ahead.

Terry Dennis, 43, a season ticket holder from West Moors, said: “I have been coming here since the early 1980s and this is just an incredible achievement.

“There so many big clubs in the Championship like Leeds, Middlesbrough and Leicester, it’s going to be big for us. We’ll have more money coming in so hopefully that will be a good thing. I think we’ll do well.”

Friend, Dan Smith, 29, said: “It dawned on me about halfway through the season, that we might be able to do this. It has been phenomenal since Eddie came back.”

Dawn Mussett and her son Sam, 11, went to the Tranmere game and were back for the celebrations outside the Goldsands.

“It has been a fantastic season and they lads should be very proud of themselves. We are all very proud,” said Dawn.

Sam said he was looking forward to the visit of Queens Park Rangers next season, with Harry Redknapp.

Martin Wood, 56 of Corfe Mullen, has been watching the Cherries for 50 years.

“This is right up there with the best of times over the decades. Next season will be a huge challenge for us but I think we will hold our own.

“Eddie Howe has transformed things but you have to give huge credit to Eddie Mitchell. He has done what he said he would do and it has been an amazing team effort all round.”