Berwick lays on entertainment to celebrate Tour of Britain

04 Sep 2019 ARCHIVED (over 3 months old) - view latest news

 A range of fun activities are being laid on in Berwick upon Tweed on Sunday 8 and Monday 9 September to celebrate the arrival of the prestigious OVO Energy Tour of Britain cycle race in the town.

Berwick is hosting the start of Stage 3 of the Tour on Monday 9 September which will see the world’s top riders set off from the Town Hall on Marygate at 11am.

Led by an advance party of school children from eight local schools, the cyclists will head down Hide Hill, along Bridge Street and across the Old Bridge before the race will start in full on the outskirts of the town.

Spectators will be able to soak up the atmosphere of this major sporting event from early morning as the team buses arrive on Walkergate.

The professional cyclists will then be heading to Marygate where they will be signing in on stage from 9.40am with local school children as their mascots.

As the race commences, fans will be able to watch live coverage of the race on the Quayside and take part in some fun cycle-themed activities including time trials, power challenges and smoothie bikes. There will also be a special market on the Quayside running throughout the day.

For cycling fans, a secure cycle storage facility is being provided in Church Street in the old ATS building with a small donation of £1 per bike made towards Berwick Cancer Cars

Road closure signs are now displayed on the streets affected, so local residents and businesses will need to plan accordingly. Extra parking is being provided at Shielfield Park with a shuttle to bring people into town. Cafes and restaurants are also being encouraged to open early and to get prepared for a busy day.

Stephen Scott, Chairman of the Berwick Chamber of Trade said, “This is a great opportunity for Berwick and will provide a welcome boost to local business. We are expecting a lot of extra people in town and a number of businesses are dressing their windows which will help the town to look great. I hope local residents come and enjoy the day too and with the park and ride facility there should be room for everyone.”

The day prior to the event, on Sunday 8 September, members of the public will be able to watch live action of the Stage 2 finish which ends in Kelso, on a big screen situated on the Parade Car Park from 2pm.

There will also be a number of fun cycling activities on the Parade Car Park while just across the road, the last day of the Berwick Food & Beer Festival will be running in the Barracks. 

Northumberland County Councillor, Cath Homer, Cabinet member for arts, leisure and culture said: “This promises to be a really memorable day for Northumberland and I hope residents enter the spirit of the occasion by coming along, cheering on the riders and taking part in the fun family events taking place in their local community.” 

For further information, please see the North of Tyne Tour of Britain website - www.northoftyne-tob.co.uk