TODAY is the day one of the world’s biggest cycling races rolls into Barnsley.
To celebrate the prestigious Tour de Yorkshire, there will be a raft of activity and entertainment as the town takes the chance to shine in front of the watching world.
Stage one of the women’s Tour de Yorkshire and stage two of the men’s race will set off in the town centre in front of thousands.
The women depart at 9.05am before the men speed off at 2.45pm, but there will be live music available to keep people entertained throughout.
The route will head out towards Huddersfield Road before turning towards Mapplewell and leaving the borough after going through Royston.
The stage heads from Barnsley to Bedale, going in a north-easterly direction before heading towards Pontefract for the first intermediate sprint. It’s then full steam to North Yorkshire.
There will be lots to take part in around the town and borough to celebrate. Including the In Gear Live music festival which will take place at six town centre bars, showcasing Barnsley’s best musical talent and
providing a soundtrack for the day.
Street entertainment will be on offer as soon as the women’s race departs, with performances from Philleas Fogg, the Sports Guides, Vedalo and Trixie and Tillie.
On Cheapside, the Road Bike Rampage will wow crowds with daring tricks over three performances at 11.30am, 1.30pm and 3.30pm.
Meanwhile, the New York Brass Band will take to the main Tour de Yorkshire stage at the top of Regent Street at both 12.45pm and 3pm.
Barnsley Market will host Bicycle Bingo in Market Kitchen between 10am- 4pm, with a creation station for kids in the atrium.
In the market, spectators will get the chance to take a behind-the-scenes tour of the new Library @ the Lightbox via the power of state-of-the-art virtual reality, ahead of its opening on Saturday July 13 as part of Barnsley’s Big Weekend.
Unique exhibitions will be on offer at the Cooper Gallery, while at Experience Barnsley visitors will get the chance to view Tins! Tins! Tins! an exhibition celebrating the Barnsley Canister Company.
To celebrate the Tour de Yorkshire coming to town, Lindy Hop Dancers will take the town’s streets while tea ladies will offer free sips of Barnsley’s very own brew.
The town centre is open for business as usual - only upper County Way car park and St Mary’s car park are closed.
For further info see the TDY pages at barnsley.gov.uk here.
