Revelry in Reading is usually reserved for its famous music festival, but this spring, the city has become an unlikely stage for football's most joyous celebrations. For the second time in weeks, a sold-out away end at the Select Car Leasing Stadium erupted as visiting fans clinched promotion to the Championship.

First, it was Lincoln City achieving a historic, sun-drenched promotion on Easter Monday. On Saturday, it was Cardiff City’s turn—and they did it in the most dramatic fashion imaginable.

Leading 3-1 in stoppage time, Cardiff’s return to the second tier seemed assured. But the final confirmation hinged on events 150 miles away in Devon, where Stockport County were leading at Exeter. Then, in the sixth added minute, Exeter’s goalkeeper, Jack Byford, rose for a corner and powered in a stunning header to snatch a 3-3 draw.

The result meant Cardiff’s promotion was mathematically sealed, triggering absolute bedlam among the 3,000 traveling Bluebirds in Berkshire. “It’s the beautiful nature of football,” said head coach Brian Barry-Murphy. “A fitting end to a magnificent season.”

While not as historic as Lincoln’s 65-year wait, this promotion marks a crucial reset for Cardiff. After years flirting with relegation and a painful drop to League One, the club has rediscovered its identity and momentum. The scenes at full-time—a sea of blue shirts and scarves—captured the sheer relief and euphoria of a fanbase that has endured a rocky few years.

Now, with Championship football secured, the focus turns to building on this hard-earned momentum. For Cardiff, the party in Reading was just the beginning.