Rio 2016: OIympic victory parade to be held in Manchester upon athletes' return to the UK

The announcement follows disappointment at a percieved lack of celebrations following Team GB's success

Thousands flocked to London’s march in 2012 celebrating athletes (Getty)

Britain’s Olympic athletes will hold a triumphal march through Manchester after both Team GB and ParalympicsGB have returned from Rio, Downing Street is announcing today. Their achievements will also be celebrated by an event in London.

The decision, made by Prime Minister Theresa May, comes three days after the former rowing champion, Sir Matthew Pinsent, set off what threatened to a major political protest by revealing that he had heard that there was to be no victory parade.

Dozens of I Am Team GB events had been arranged around the UK, to be held a week today, in honour of the record breaking collection of medals that British athletes are bringing back from Rio, where the spectacular closing ceremony of the 2016 Olympics will begin at midnight UK time tomorrow. But until today, there was no indication that the government planned anything official.

On Wednesday, Sir Matthew Pinsent posted a message on Twitter, saying: “heard from 2 different sources today that there won't be a @TeamGB parade this year.” But London’s Mayor, Sadiq Khan, told BBC yesterday that there would be a parade in London, in honour of the athletes “if I had my way.” Downing Street explained the government’s silence up to now by saying that the official event had to wait until the end of the Paralympics, so that both British teams could be honoured together.

Talks are under way between civil servants. Sadiq Khan, Manchester City Council, the British Olympic Association and the British Paralympic Association are to prepare for the events in October.

Theresa May, who has been on holiday in the Alps with her husband, Philip, said: “the people of the United Kingdom have been filled with pride as we’ve watched our Olympians take victory in so many sports with power, grace and control. In every discipline and at every stage, Team GB have shown the world what we’re made of: determination, dignity and true sportsmanship. They haven’t just made history; by showing just how far talent and hard work can take you, they have inspired the next generation.

"They have also shown the importance of supporting elite sport, and that is something this Government remains wholly committed to." Ms May said. “The euphoria of London 2012 didn’t end four years ago, and it doesn’t end now – we still have the Paralympic Games to look forward to. It will continue on the streets of Britain as we plan a parade in Manchester, alongside the British Olympic and Paralympic Associations. It will be a celebration fit for heroes – and rightly so, because that is exactly what they are.”

Bill Sweeney, chief executive of the British Olympic Association, said: “The British public have a fantastic opportunity to meet their returning Rio heroes within the next week through the series of nationwide I Am Team GB events. We thank Government for their support and look forward to them confirming further details of the planned events.”

Tim Hollingsworth, chief executive of the British Paralympic Association said: “We have not yet won a single medal so we cannot be complacent or plan now to celebrate with any certainty. However, it is right that our athletes’ dedication, commitment and performances is every bit as recognised by the British public and so we hope very much to join our colleagues from Team GB when the hard work is over for ParalympicsGB.”

Sue Murphy, deputy leader of Manchester City Council, said: “On behalf of the whole of Manchester, we couldn’t be more thrilled to host the national parade for our Olympic and Paralympic heroes.” Sadiq Khan, the Mayor of London, said: “In addition to the parade announced by the government in Manchester, I am delighted to confirm that there will be an event in London to allow people to celebrate the phenomenal achievements of our Olympians and Paralympians.