Bolton, Le Mans, and Paderborn are all celebrating victory as their football teams are promoted at the same time.
Le Mans FC started the trend by returning to Ligue 1 following a win against Bastia, while Paderborn FC secured promotion to the Bundesliga with a 2-1 victory over Wolfsburg.
Bolton has been twinned with Le Mans, France, since 1973, and in April 2025 celebrated the 50th anniversary of twinning with Paderborn, Germany.
Bolton Wanderers returned to the Championship after defeating Stockport County 4-1 at Wembley Stadium on Sunday 24 May.
Approximately six thousand Bolton Wanderers fans travelled to Victoria Square on Monday 25 May, as Bolton Council held a civic reception for the team.
Promotion means the club are back at Championship level for the first time since 2019.
Cllr Mohammed Iqbal, the Mayor of Bolton, said:
“Our civic celebration was a wonderful way for the town to come together to celebrate the team’s achievement.
“Bolton’s victory has been made even greater by sharing the success with our twin towns – such a happy coincidence.
“This is just another example of our continued unity, and I am excited for what our towns – and the teams – can achieve next.”
Town twinning refers to a reciprocal partnership that serves to promote cultural and commercial links between towns, cities, and local authorities.
The relationship provides cultural exchanges, school visits, and opportunities for collaboration.
As part of this arrangement, there is an International Town Twinning Civic Visit every three years and a programme of events for the delegations from each town.
Twinning gives the towns the opportunity to discuss important issues and develop long standing friendships that continue to flourish.