Forest fans celebrate promotion in Nottingham city centre

Nottingham Forest fans have gathered in their thousands at a city centre party to celebrate promotion to the Premier League.

Forest confirmed their top flight return for the first time in 23 years with a 1-0 win over Huddersfield Town at Wembley on Sunday.

Nottingham's Market Square was turned red as fans gathered to wave flags and cheer on the team.

In turn players and coaches thanked the fans for their support over the season.

Forest are returning to the top flight for the first time in 23 years

The event was hosted by comedian and lifelong Forest supporter Matt Forde and BBC Radio Nottingham commentator Colin Fray.

They interviewed club favourites before the Championship play-off trophy was raised aloft to the delight of the crowd below.

Players showed off the trophy to huge cheers

Forest boss Steve Cooper said: "To all the Nottingham Forest supporters, welcome back to the Premier League.

"I cannot think of a more deserving set of supporters - every single game at the City Ground, every single away game - sell-out, dominate every stadium, you are the best."

• Nottingham Forest promoted: 'It's like walking in a dream'

• Nottingham Forest: How Reds went from 'fearful' to 'phenomenal' to return to Premier League

• Championship play-off final: Tears as Nottingham Forest are promoted

Streamers flew in the air as Forest players lifted the trophy on the Old Market Square balcony

Midfielder Ryan Yates, who played in the Wembley final, said: "Honestly, it means everything to me but, more importantly, to you guys [the supporters].

"The support you've given us throughout the season - it's been absolutely unbelievable."

People were waving flags and banners, including one featuring Peter Taylor and Brian Clough

Leader of Nottingham City Council, David Mellen, said: "We are absolutely thrilled that Forest secured promotion - it means a huge amount to the city after more than two decades outside the top flight.

"On behalf of the council, I'd like to congratulate Steve Cooper, his players and staff, the club's board and owners, plus the wonderful supporters who travelled down to north-west London in their thousands to represent our proud city.

"This is simply a wonderful moment for Nottingham."

Forest boss Steve Cooper thanked fans for their support

Road closures, diversions and temporary changes to bus services were put in place for the promotion event, which coincided with the first day of the half-term school holiday.

The council warned anyone caught with alcohol, flares or pyrotechnics faced a club ban.

The celebration falls on the first day of the school half-term holiday

Forest fan Andy Hutchinson, 55, said it was "fantastic" to be part of the celebrations.

"I should be at work but I've phoned in to say I'm running a bit late," he said.

"I was at Wembley yesterday. Last time I went to Wembley I was 25 years old, I'm now 55 so it's been a long wait - 23 years to get into the Premier League. What a day it was - my voice has gone."

He added that he had been supporting Forest since he was 10 years old, experiencing European glory, the Clough era and "all the Wembley trips".

However, he said: "I've never known a season like this for the atmosphere. What Steve Cooper's done - he has got the fans on side with him now. We'd die for him. I can't speak highly enough of the bloke.

"I'm just going to soak up every single minute. Working in Derby as well, it's been fantastic season. I apologise to my wife as she's a Derby fan but this is the dream - Forest get promoted, Derby go down. Happy days."

Nottingham-based YouTube star LadBaby was spotted among the crowd

Nottingham-based YouTube star LadBaby said: "I'm surprised I have any voice left after yesterday. What a day - I've finally finished crying.

"It's unbelievable the season we've had and I still can't quite believe it. It's the first time in my lifetime that I remember, that this has happened.

"It's nice to be able to bring my little one down here and try and get him into it as well."

"It's been painful [the past 23 years], hearing the stories from my dad of all the glory years and waiting for our day. It feels like the corner has been turned."