In between the car horns and the vuvuzelas, every so often, there is a Liverpool chant that breaks out. It might be around four hours before the title parade begins and closer to eight before the bus gets here, but hundreds are already lining The Strand.
The barriers are in place and there is already an excitable buzz. In truth, it hasn't ever stopped since yesterday when the bars were packed and the celebrations continued across the city, not just inside Anfield where the trophy was lifted.
Virgil van Dijk wanted a party, and he is most definitely going to get one. "We were here in 2019 and 2022," one mother and daughter from Toxteth, both draped in red flags, tell Liverpool.com.
When it is put to them that they might have to stand here for most of the day before they get anywhere near the trophy, there are no qualms about the wait. "If you think we're excited now, just wait until that bus comes past!"
Families are saving spots for one another and the flags are draped everywhere — on the side of the barriers erected to control the crowds, on people's backs, and from windows in the buildings on either side.
The streets will be lined with hundreds of thousands of Liverpool fans within hours.
The streets will be lined with hundreds of thousands of Liverpool fans within hours. (Image: Matt Addison)
In the space of an hour or so, the volume of people who have made their way outside has increased tenfold. This is, remember, the last place that the bus will go on the 10 kilometer route. It is likely there are similar scenes throughout.
"We're never gonna stop," one banner reads. Others depict Arne Slot, with the hope being that the Dutchman's team can provide more days like this one in the future, continuing what Jurgen Klopp's side did.
"We came in 2019 and 2022 and we had to come again," a couple from Cardiff explain. "We couldn't miss this. It's only a few minutes [when you catch a glimpse of the players], but it's well worth the wait."
The view from one vantage point in Liverpool city center.
The view from one vantage point in Liverpool city center.
Sometime around 6pm (1pm ET), the Liverpool players will pass through here. By then, there will be no space to move.
Further down the same segment of the road, a father and son — both from Wales, and one at John Moores University — light up at the prospect of seeing Van Dijk, Mohamed Salah and co. "We wouldn't miss this for anything," Mark, the father, says.
The pair had queued from 8am in the morning — a full eight and a half hours before kick-off — to watch Liverpool play Crystal Palace at Hotel Anfield, a stone's throw from the ground. "Good things come to those who wait!" they quip.
The earliest Liverpool fans along The Strand have already grabbed the prime spots.
The earliest Liverpool fans along The Strand have already grabbed the prime spots. (Image: Matt Addison)
Somewhere in the background, a lone voice sets off the Alexis Mac Allister chant. It doesn't take long before those around him join in, and by now, there is barely a space along the front row of the route. If you want front row seats, you're too late.
It might be relatively early in the day, but Liverpool has already turned into a sea of red — exactly what Van Dijk requested. As you walk along the road, the noise is building, there are songs breaking out, and the party is already in full swing.
"Let’s make this 24 hours the biggest party ever," Van Dijk said on Sunday. Hours before he and the rest of the Liverpool team have even boarded the bus that will carry them around the city, thousands of fans are already in place.