A spectacular day of free family entertainment is on offer this Friday (4 September) as East Park plays host to the Lloyds Tour of Britain Family Cycling Festival.
Families of all ages and cycling enthusiasts are invited to come along and bring their bikes from 9am where the park will be transformed into a vibrant hub of sporting action, hands-on activities, and community celebration; perfectly timed to coincide with Stage Three of the prestigious professional men’s cycle race.
Whilst cheering on the world’s elite riders as they depart from the park at 10:15am, visitors can enjoy a packed programme of activities that extends far beyond the race. Highlights of the festival include:
- action on the big screen: catch all the pre-race interviews, the live action across the rest of the stage and the winner’s presentation broadcast on a giant screen in the park all day.
- cycling activities for all: balance bike sessions, pedal bike coaching, adapted cycling opportunities, adult cycle training, cycle speedway tasters, ICE Trikes demonstrations and free Dr Bike maintenance support.
- non-stop family fun: inflatable football and multi-sport activities, outdoor spin classes, family craft and creative workshops, cycling-themed glitter tattoos, flag-making and community stalls.
Food and refreshments from venders will also be available throughout the day.
Councillor Jackie Dad, portfolio holder for culture at Hull City Council, said: “Seeing the full programme confirmed for the Family Cycling Festival is incredibly exciting. This is about much more than watching elite sport – it is a fantastic, free day out designed to get our whole community active, having fun and enjoying one of Hull’s finest green spaces.
“Whether you’re coming down to watch the professionals set off, try out an adapted bike, or let the kids enjoy the crafts and entertainment, there is something for everyone. We can’t wait to welcome families from across the city to East Park on Friday.”
The event will take place 9am – 4pm on Friday 4 September, with the race departing at 10.30am, with riders visible from 9.45am. Admission is free to attend. East Park will be closed to vehicles, with limited parking available at Woodford Leisure Centre and Malet Lambert School. Attendees are therefore encouraged to walk, cycle or take public transport to the park.
A number of bus services depart from Hull Paragon Interchange to East Park via Holderness Road, dropping off outside the East Park gates, on average every five minutes. These services can be found on both the East Yorkshire and Stagecoach websites.
To support those planning to cycle to the Tour of Britain Family Cycle Festival, British Cycling will be bringing cycle racks to use on a first-come, first-serve basis. To deter theft and ensure cycles are secure, please remember to bring a lock. Cycles are left at the owner’s risk.
To plan a journey, download a copy of the new Hull Cycle Map and find advice on the Travel Hull website.
East Park’s regular activities including the splash pad will be in operation as usual.
To find out more about the Tour of Britain and Stage Three, click here.