The 2026 Lloyds Tour of Britain Family Cycling Festival will be hosted at two stages of this year’s prestigious event, in Blackpool and Hull.
The Festival is a free-to-attend event taking place in Blackpool on Thursday 20 August 2026 between 11am and 2pm and Hull on Friday 4 September 2026 between 11am and 2pm as part of Lloyds Tour of Britain Women and Men’s professional cycle race.
Celebrating local pride and the joy of cycling, the festival gives people of all ages and abilities, including families, the chance to enjoy cycling-themed activities on both days and the opportunity to ride in a safe, fun traffic free environment, all free of charge.
In Blackpool, the activities will open before the women’s elite race finishes outside the Solaris Centre, giving attendees time to enjoy festival activities before watching world-class riders sprint for victory on the same roads.
At Hull’s East Park, festival attendees can watch the elite men’s race depart in the morning before enjoying family-friendly activities, thereafter, including the chance to ride and enjoy the joy of cycling in the park.
The Lloyds Family Cycling Festival is free to attend, whether you want to watch the race, enjoy the festival activities or ride your bike. Participants are encouraged to bring their own bikes, but there will be a limited number of bikes available to hire for children and adults, (including adaptable bikes at the Hull festival), suitable for riders of all abilities.
Cllr Jackie Dad, deputy leader and portfolio holder for culture at Hull City Council, said:
“We are thrilled to be hosting the Family Cycling Festival alongside the departure of the elite men’s stage three race this September.
“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.”
Jonathan Day, Director of Events at British Cycling Ventures, said:
“The expansion of the Lloyds Tour of Britain Family Cycling Festival in 2026 follows the huge success at the Glasgow stage of the women’s Tour in 2025 which saw families and people of all ages take to the roads. It brought the community together, creating a real showcase of what the joy of cycling can bring to people.
“We are delighted to be working with Lloyds and the local authorities in Blackpool and Hull to expand this concept and create fantastic experiences for families, local communities and visitors alike. Anyone can get involved, whether or not they have a bike, and it is free to access, so the festival offers excellent value for those attending. We look forward to welcoming everyone to the Promenade in Blackpool and East Park in Hull in August and September.”
Jon Lane, Head of Brand Partnerships, Lloyds said,
“We believe cycling should be accessible to everyone, regardless of age, background or experience. That’s why the Lloyds Tour of Britain is about more than elite competition – it’s about inspiring more people to get involved and creating opportunities for everyone to enjoy cycling. We’re delighted to support initiatives such as the Lloyds Family Cycling Festival, which brings communities together to celebrate the joy of cycling. Through our Lloyds Recycle Hubs, visiting the Fan Villages in Blackpool and Lincoln, we’re also giving unused bikes a second life, helping more people unlock the freedom, confidence and opportunities that come with owning a bike.”
“By supporting grassroots initiatives alongside world-class racing, we hope to encourage more people to experience the many benefits of cycling.”
Councillor Jo Farrell, Blackpool Council Cabinet Member for Communities and Wellbeing said:
“We’re delighted to welcome the Lloyds Tour of Britain Women back to Blackpool in 2026.
“With our proud cycling heritage, the race is a fantastic opportunity to showcase the town, support local businesses and reinforce Blackpool’s reputation for hosting world-class sporting events.
“Alongside the race, the family cycling festival will give residents and visitors the chance to get involved, enjoy free activities and experience the many health and wellbeing benefits of cycling, making it a celebration for everyone – whether they’re watching or taking part.”
More information can be found here: https://www.britishcycling.org.uk/tourofbritain/info/familycyclingfestival