Fans gathered in their masses at Christchurch Park on Monday to celebrate Ipswich Town's promotion to the Championship.

Nearly 10,000 people were in attendance as players, coaches and directors took to the stage in order to commemorate a special season with their supporters.

"I'm elated," said Andrew Wark - son of Blues icon John.

Ipswich Star: Andrew Wark and his childrenAndrew Wark and his children (Image: Sarah Lucy Brown)

Ipswich Star: Jasmine Wykes and her childrenJasmine Wykes and her children (Image: Sarah Lucy Brown)

"We've been waiting 23 years for something to shout about.

"Every aspect of the club seems to be going in the right direction and this will give the town a big injection.

"If we can keep hold of key players and continue to build then I can see a double promotion on the horizon.

Ipswich Star: Kieran McKenna's side finished the season on 98 pointsKieran McKenna's side finished the season on 98 points (Image: Sarah Lucy Brown)

Ipswich Star: Nearly 10,000 people were in attendanceNearly 10,000 people were in attendance (Image: Sarah Lucy Brown)

"And yeah, we'll definitely smash Norwich."

The non-ticketed party in Christchurch Park was a joint initiative from both the football club and Ipswich Borough Council. 

It came after Town secured promotion to the Championship in style on April 29 with a 6-0 win over Exeter City.

Ipswich Star: The fans gathered in Christchurch Park to join the players in celebrating promotionThe fans gathered in Christchurch Park to join the players in celebrating promotion (Image: Sarah Lucy Brown)

Ipswich Star: Percy and Martha got involved in celebrationsPercy and Martha got involved in celebrations (Image: Sarah Lucy Brown)

Kieran McKenna's side finished the season in second with an incredible 98 points and goal difference of plus 66.

"Performances this season have been unbelievable," said Phil Ashenden - who was in attendance with his family.

"It's a really exciting time.

Ipswich Star: Phil Ashenden and his familyPhil Ashenden and his family (Image: Sarah Lucy Brown)

Ipswich Star: Club captain Sam Morsy lifts the runners up trophyClub captain Sam Morsy lifts the runners up trophy (Image: Sarah Lucy Brown)

"If we keep the bulk of our squad and add a few more players and I think we'll be challengers next season."

"This is massive," said Julie Hancock and Lloyd Simpson. 

"It feels like we've got our club back after a rough few years. 

"I think we can go all the way with McKenna and reach the Premier League next season."

Ipswich Star: Julie Hancock and Lloyd SimpsonJulie Hancock and Lloyd Simpson (Image: Sarah Lucy Brown)

Ipswich Star: Ollie and Elsie Ashenden with DudleyOllie and Elsie Ashenden with Dudley (Image: Sarah Lucy Brown)

Promotion to the Premier League is a goal Kieran McKenna has made no secret of.

Speaking after his side's win against Exeter, he said: "Look, the club is very ambitious. I’m very ambitious. I’m sure the players are very ambitious.

"This is a club with a fine heritage at the top of English football. It’s a clear goal to get it back there. You never know how long it’s going to take, but there’s no doubt we want to climb back up that pyramid."

Lifelong Blues fan Chris Mallett was at the Christchurch Park celebrations with his son Alfie.

Ipswich Star: Lifelong Blues fan Chris Mallett was at the Christchurch Park celebrations with his son AlfieLifelong Blues fan Chris Mallett was at the Christchurch Park celebrations with his son Alfie (Image: Sarah Lucy Brown)

Ipswich Star: Sascha, Olive and Noah SmithSascha, Olive and Noah Smith (Image: Sarah Lucy Brown)

Ipswich Star: Pets were just as ecstatic as the fansPets were just as ecstatic as the fans (Image: Sarah Lucy Brown)

"I can't put it into words," he said.

"It's brilliant for the club and for the town as well.

"I think we can now push on for the Premier League and get back to where we should be."

"We've got incredible support and history," said Paul Thorndyke, who stood with his daughter Lily on his shoulders.

Ipswich Star: Paul and Lily ThorndykePaul and Lily Thorndyke (Image: Sarah Lucy Brown)

Ipswich Star: Fans are hopeful that this crop of players can push for promotion again next seasonFans are hopeful that this crop of players can push for promotion again next season (Image: Sarah Lucy Brown)

"I'm a lifelong Town fan so it's great for my kids to see us getting back to where we were when I was young.

"With the right backing, we can get into the playoffs next season.

"I think McKenna will stay because it's a long term project and we have the potential to be a really big club."

As he took to the stage, the club's managing director Mark Ashton was welcomed with a jubilant roar from the crowd.

Ipswich Star: As he took to the stage, the club's managing director Mark Ashton was welcomed with a jubilant roar from the crowdAs he took to the stage, the club's managing director Mark Ashton was welcomed with a jubilant roar from the crowd (Image: Sarah Lucy Brown)

Ipswich Star: Town player Wes Burns at the eventTown player Wes Burns at the event (Image: Sarah Lucy Brown)

Ipswich Star: Space for up 24,000 fans was allocated in Christchurch ParkSpace for up 24,000 fans was allocated in Christchurch Park (Image: Sarah Lucy Brown)

During a speech which saw him thank both the players and the management team for an incredible season, Ashton also made a point of showing his gratitude for a "special" fanbase.

His words came after supporters gathered outside Portman Road to the give the team an unbelievable welcome prior to the club's routing of Exeter City.

Ipswich Star: Thomas, Freya, Carol and Alan NobleThomas, Freya, Carol and Alan Noble (Image: Sarah Lucy Brown)

Ipswich Star: Fans are now looking forward to next season in the Championship - and to the return of the East Anglian DerbyFans are now looking forward to next season in the Championship - and to the return of the East Anglian Derby (Image: Sarah Lucy Brown)

"That's a moment that really stands out for us," said Thomas, Freya, Carol and Alan Noble. 

"I think the players on the bus really appreciated that.

"McKenna will stay and build on this long-term project. 

"Next season we'll do the double over Norwich and I think we could go up to the Premier League as champions."