JUST one week remains until one of the world’s biggest cycling races rolls into Barnsley.

To celebrate the arrival of the prestigious Tour de Yorkshire, a raft of activity and entertainment will take place as Barnsley shines in front of the eyes of the watching world next Friday.

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 a crowd of thousands.

The women will depart at 9.05am before the men speed off at 2.45pm but there will be live music available to keep people entertained throughout.

In Gear Live music festival will take place at six town centre bars, showcasing the town’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 and 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.

Sue Thiedeman, head of culture and visitor economy, said: “It will be another brilliant day for Barnsley. We’ve had a great response in the build-up and we’re excited to welcome so many people to the town. We’ve got so much to show off and it promises to be a fantastic day for everyone who comes into the town centre.”

The town centre will be open for business as usual - only upper County Way car park and St Mary’s car park will be closed on race day.

For all information, visit Barnsley.gov.uk/TDY.

For bus disruption, visit TravelSouthYorkshire.com/TDY.