Rain doesn't spook Witches' 27-Year title party

The Ipswich Witches lifted their trophy in front of the home crowd outside the Town Hall

Rainy weather failed to spook Ipswich Witches speedway fans on Halloween as they celebrated their team's championship win after 27 years.

The Witches lifted the British Speedway Premiership trophy earlier this month for the first time since 1998 after a 46-43 win against Leicester Lions.

They were celebrated on the steps of Ipswich Town Hall, and despite the rain, fans were keen to show their pride.

A fan since 1969, Julian Moore travelled from Cambridgeshire and expected the team to win again next season.

Julian Moore believed the Witches were one of the best speedway teams around to support

"They're brilliant," he said.

"They've always been a team to support, and they've always been with the community.

"I don't live in Ipswich, I come in from Yaxley, and there are a lot of supporters that come in from other towns besides Ipswich because it's such a good speedway team to be involved in.

"It's been long-awaited, and I'm really proud of them and the town."

The fans turned up complete with flags and their Ipswich Witches memorabilia

Hundreds of fans turned out on a rainy afternoon to celebrate with the Witches

Beverley Garnham and Nicki Skeet, who she introduced to the Ipswich Witches, were in attendance at the Corn Hill.

They had come back early from their holiday to make sure they could attend the celebration.

"We support the club all the while," Ms Garnham said.

"I first went in 1972 when John Louis used to ride for them.

"We go to all the home matches and unfortunately not many away matches because of work."

Mr Skeet added: "Ever since I went to the first [race], that was it, it's that sound and the fans, it's great.

"It's like a big family, it's amazing.

The improvements race by race of the whole team has been the highlight right up until the final."

Sheila Whitehouse has been a fan for several decades and has encouraged her family into the sport

Sheila Whitehouse, a fan since 1972, came along with her family.

"It's an incredible club, there are incredible supporters, a wonderful team," she said.

"They're so friendly, and they mix and match with all of the supporters. They're wonderful people and great riders.

"I wouldn't be anywhere else [today]."

Sam Broom has been supporting the Witches since he was a child

Sam Broom, in attendance with his mum, Ms Whitehouse, has been following the team since 2003

"I was only a year old when they last won it," he explained.

"It's been incredible [this season], a bit nerve-wracking at times, but phenomenal.

"It's been a great turnout for riders and supporters."

'Don't give up'

Captain Danny King had been hoping for this win since he was 16

Witches' captain, Danny King, has been with the team since he was 16 and had been hoping for this win.

"From when you're a kid, you dream of things like this, certainly when I was so young signing for the club," the now 39-year-old said.

"At some point you don't think it's ever going to happen, but you don't give up... It took me all those years to get it over the line, and it's massive for the club, 27 years.

"It's an amazing feeling."

He added that the town had "always got behind us" and said it was "an amazing feeling" to see so many fans supporting them.

Chris Louis hoped he was following in his father's footsteps

Promoter Chris Louis said the win "means a lot" after his dad John Louis, who passed away last year, had also previously taken the team to a league title in 1975.

"The last time I did it was 27 years ago, so I've had to wait a long while, and a lot has happened since then - We've had the good times and the bad, but we've finally got the trophy again," he said.

"It's very special. Last time I was part of the team, I was the captain, dad was effectively in my role that I am in now, so to do it as a promoter is very special and follow in his footsteps.

"He was definitely there looking down on us; he would have been very proud.

"There'd have been a debrief afterwards on what went wrong, what went right, but he'd have been super proud and he'd have enjoyed the reception today as well."

Ritchie Hawkins said the celebratory event allowed him to relax and enjoy the win

Ritchie Hawkins, team manager, said he had managed to relax and enjoy the celebrations following the "intense and stressful" last race.

"It's brilliant just seeing the town and how happy they are, the joy it has brought to people... they backed us brilliantly and it's been a long time, a lot of hard work, but we got here eventually," he said.

He added it was great to see new generations backing the team and said fan attendance had been "picking up" at races.

"You get right in with the riders, and I know a lot of the fans personally; it's a great family sport," he said.

Ipswich Witches fans said they had been "proud" of their team's success