Sheffield Wednesday held a weekend of celebrations as one of the oldest professional football clubs in the country turned 150 on Monday.
On Sunday thousands of Wednesday fans descended on Hillsborough Park to enjoy the annual Owls in the Park event, held back this year to tie in with the anniversary. Various stalls and fun fair rides were the order of the day while across the road at the ground the catering department were busy working on a successful World Record bid to make the biggest ever football cake, smashing the previous record.
The events were rounded of on Sunday evening with live music and a spectacular fireworks display with the back drop of the South Stand.
On Monday, as the club formed back in 1867 officially celebrated its 150th birthday, a celebratory dinner was held at Ponds Forge and the line-up was befitting of the history of the Owls. Current Chairman Dejphon Chansiri opened proceedings with an impassioned speech and there was plenty more to follow, including messages from former chairman Milan Mandaric and legendary full-back Roland Nilsson.
Renowned presenter Mark Clemmit introduced a host of iconic club figures from through the years including the likes of Howard Wilkinson, Ron Atkinson and a clutch of stars from the successful early 90’s era.
Current manager Carlos Carvalhal received a standing ovation as he brought the show to a close, the Portuguese manager has clearly developed a great affinity for the special club during his shirt time in England so far.
The evening also saw the unveiling of the dream scene mural, created by Australian artist Jamie Cooper who has imaginatively brought together many of the most iconic Owls players from throughout the history of the club in a fabulous creation that will be much sought after when copies are released for sale.
Here’s to the next 150 years of this magnificent football club with a unique history. Up the Owls!