As the Crystal Palace buses carrying their FA Cup heroes reached the corner of Whitehorse Lane and Park Road, and Selhurst Park came into view, the grey clouds finally gave way and the rain began to fall.
The thousands who lined the narrow roads leading to the stadium pulled up their hoods and wrapped flags around their necks to guard them from the elements. A few even stuck plastic shopping bags over their heads as they waited for the coaches to come past.
Nothing, though, was going to dampen this party. Blue and red flare smoke filled the air.