The Grey Cup is going to Trafalgar Square in England for Canada Day

Jun 28 2017, 1:25 am

The Grey Cup is going on vacation.

The 108-year-old trophy awarded annually to the champion of the Canadian Football League will be on display at Trafalgar Square in London, England as part a massive Canada 150 celebration.

If taking one of Canada’s most famous trophies overseas on Canada Day seems odd, it shouldn’t.

An estimated 80,000 people are expected to celebrate Canada Day in Trafalgar Square, where Canada House is positioned, including numerous ex-pats.

The Grey Cup was also first commissioned in 1909 by the Earl Grey, Canada’s governor general at the time, who was born in the United Kingdom.

The CFL was invited by the High Commission of Canada in the UK to participate in their Canada 150 celebrations. The High Commission is taking over the square on July 1, with various Canadian organizations in attendance.

A Grey Cup photo booth will be set up in the middle of Trafalgar Square for the entire day and a viewing party will be set up during the Saskatchewan Roughriders-Winnipeg Blue Bombers game.

The iconic trophy will be accompanied by Henry Burris, the recently retired CFL legend and MVP of last year’s Grey Cup Game.

“This is a great way to engage Canadians and CFL fans abroad during a special celebration for Canada 150,” said CFL’s Senior Vice President of Marketing and Content, Christina Litz. “The Grey Cup is the fans’ trophy and showcasing it overseas, with one of the most recognizable players that played our game, makes for a memorable experience on Canada Day.”

“We are delighted that the CFL – and the Grey Cup – will be joining our Canada 150 celebrations for what we are certain will be a day of tremendous fun and a chance to share a true slice of Canada with our many friends here in the UK,” added Mrs. Janice Charette, Canada’s High Commissioner to the UK.

Rob WilliamsRob Williams

+ Offside
+ Football
ADVERTISEMENT