Free cycling festival to celebrate Tour of Britain

A free cycling festival will take place in Hull and Blackpool to celebrate the 2026 Tour of Britain men and women’s races.

The women’s race gets under way on 19 August, while the men’s race starts on 2 September.

Families will be able to take part in cycling-themed activities in Blackpool on 20 August and Hull on 4 September from 11:00 until 14:00 BST on both days.

Jonathan Day, director of events at British Cycling Ventures, said last year’s festival “brought the community together, creating a real showcase of what the joy of cycling can bring to people”.

The women will race through Cockermouth, Clitheroe, Blackpool, Mold, Llandudno, Llanidloes and Hay-on-Wye, before finishing in Royal Leamington Spa on 23 August.

In Blackpool, the festival activities will open before the race finishes outside the Solaris Centre, on New South Promenade.

‘Incredible buzz’

For the men’s race, riders will travel through Lincolnshire, East Yorkshire and North Yorkshire, before finishing in Scotland on 6 September.

At Hull’s East Park, those attending the festival can watch the race depart in the morning before enjoying activities, including cycling in the park.

Hull City Council said there would be a limited number of bikes for children and adults to hire, so participants have been encouraged to bring their own bikes.

There would also be adaptable bikes, suitable for riders of all abilities, the authority added.

Deputy council leader Jackie Dad said: “There will be an incredible buzz in East Park as we watch the professionals set off and then it is time for our own residents to take to the circuit.

“It’s a completely free day out that celebrates the joy of cycling and I hope to see families from every corner of the city joining us to enjoy the activities.”

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