Yorkshire is gearing up for the Lloyds Tour of Britain, with celebrations planned on both sides of the county as the race makes its way through in early September.
Fourteen towns and villages across North Yorkshire have picked up grant funding to help them mark cycling’s biggest race coming to the county, ahead of the North Yorkshire stage of the Lloyds Tour of Britain on Saturday 5 September.
The money comes via a Mayoral Community Grant scheme run by the York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority and administered by North Yorkshire Council, giving residents in the towns and villages it passes through the chance to make the most of one of Britain’s biggest cycling occasions.
This year’s stage starts in Helmsley and finishes in Leyburn, climbing roughly 2,700 metres along the way — reportedly one of the hardest routes in the men’s race this season. Television audiences in over 100 countries are expected to tune in, with UK viewers able to watch free to air.
A combined £9,178 has gone to communities in Helmsley, Coxwold, Easingwold, Brafferton and Helperby, Grantley and Sawley, Ripon, Pateley Bridge, Grassington, Kilnsey, Kettlewell, Buckden, Patrick Brompton, Harmby and Leyburn. Plans are already in place for the race to return to the county again in 2027.
Practical infrastructure
Communities are putting the money towards cycling-themed decorations, homemade bunting, welcome banners, decorated bikes, Yorkshire Rose artwork and community displays, alongside entertainment, family activities and the practical infrastructure needed to pull an event like this together.
Council leader Councillor Carl Les said: “We were delighted by the positive response from communities along the route and are pleased to support towns and villages as they prepare for this exciting event. The Lloyds Tour of Britain is one of the biggest free-to-attend sporting events in the country, and these grants will help communities celebrate the occasion, bring people together and create a memorable experience for residents, visitors and cycling fans alike.
“It also presents a fantastic opportunity to showcase everything that makes North Yorkshire such a special place to live, work and visit.”
David Skaith, Mayor of York and North Yorkshire, said: “The countdown is on and the excitement is building as our communities get ready to give a special North Yorkshire welcome to the Tour of Britain. We’ll be showing off the North York Moors, the Yorkshire Dales and the vibrant communities that call these spectacular places home on a global stage.
“We’ll be using this moment to celebrate the people who work hard in their community and helping 14 towns and villages make the most of this moment. With our funding we’ll help them decorate our streets, host local events, and create an electric atmosphere right across the county.”
For the two towns bookending the stage, the funding carries extra significance. Leyburn Town Council chair Councillor Alison Littlewood-Laws said: “We’re thrilled to receive this funding to help Leyburn mark its role as the finish location for the North Yorkshire stage. It will enable us to create a real sense of occasion in the town and ensure residents and visitors can fully enjoy being part of such a prestigious sporting event.”
Helmsley Town Council chair Councillor Carol Swift added: “We are delighted to receive this funding to help Helmsley celebrate its role as the starting town for the North Yorkshire stage of the Lloyds Tour of Britain. The grant has allowed us to organise activities, entertainment and put up decorations that will create a real sense of occasion for residents and visitors alike.”
Hull: a free festival the day before
A day earlier, on Friday 4 September, Hull’s East Park will host its own celebration: a free, day-long Family Cycling Festival running from 9am to 4pm as the Tour passes through the city.
Alongside watching elite riders race through Hull on one of the cycling calendar’s most prestigious stages, visitors can take part in a broad mix of hands-on activities, live performances, sports challenges, workshops, food stalls and other interactive experiences throughout the day. Coverage of the wider race — including other sections of the stage, pre-race interviews and the winners’ presentation — will be shown on a giant screen in the park.
For those wanting to get on two wheels themselves, there’s a full programme of cycling activities for all ages and abilities: balance bike sessions for younger children, pedal bike coaching, adapted cycling opportunities, adult cycle training with Rusty Riders information available, cycle speedway taster sessions, demonstrations and try-outs of ICE Trikes, Dr Bike maintenance support and repairs, and various interactive cycling challenges and competitions.
Not just cycling
The day isn’t limited to cycling. Other activities on offer include inflatable football and other multi-sport games, outdoor spin classes, health and wellbeing information, advice on active travel and physical activity, family crafts and creative workshops, cycling-themed glitter tattoos, flag-making for waving at the riders, and stalls from community groups and charities. Food and drink vendors will be on hand throughout, serving everything from hot food to refreshments and sweet treats.
Organisers are asking visitors to walk, cycle or use public transport where possible, since the park itself will be closed to cars and public parking for the day, and parking nearby will be limited. A small amount of parking will be available at Woodford Leisure Centre, with no separate overflow parking on offer. The park’s usual attractions, including its splashpads, will stay open as normal, though anyone driving to use them will find spaces at Malet Lambert School very limited. Cyclists are advised to bring a bike lock so they can take full advantage of the day’s activities.
Entry to the Hull festival, like the race itself, is free.
