Communities prepare for The Tour of Britain

07.09.2010

Communities across Devon and Somerset are preparing to make the most of one of Britain’s biggest sporting events as it passes their doorsteps.

The Tour of Britain will race its way through the two counties on Tuesday 14 September and Wednesday 15 September, with Devon and Somerset County Councils continuing their successful partnership to host the two South West stages.

This year’s Tour will cover around 216 miles (347kms) of Devon and Somerset, with Stage Four from Minehead to Teignmouth and Stage Five from Tavistock to Glastonbury.

The feel good factor generated by The Tour comes at a vital time for local businesses - and the communities of Teignmouth and Tavistock are aiming to ensure that there is plenty for visitors to see and do while they are in the region.

Teignmouth is hosting events throughout next week, culminating with entertainment on the Den, seafront and in the town from 11am to 9pm on Tuesday 14 September when the town hosts the finish of Stage Four. Crowds will be treated to displays by Devon County Council’s cycling ambassador and world number six mountain bike trials rider Andrei Burton, as well as BMX riders Lee Musselwhite and Kye Forte. There will also be live music throughout the day, and everything from Tae Kwon Do to children’s fairground rides. Teignmouth’s latest up and coming band The Quails will be among the bands performing in the Marquee on the Den from 4pm to 9pm.

In Tavistock the celebrations start the day before the Tour even arrives in the town, with the Tavy Tour Party in the Square on Tuesday 14 September. A local food fair will be held in the Town Hall from 10am to 7pm and the party starts from 4pm with a free concert in Bedford Square, headlined by Seth Lakeman and Mad Dog McRea. There will also be entertainment including the Team Extreme display of BMX, skateboarding and in-line skating in Abbey Place, and food stalls and amusement attractions in Plymouth Road and St Eustachius. Only a limited number of tickets are available for the free concert. To register and download free tickets visit www.tavytourparty.co.uk

On the morning of the race on Wednesday 15 September, Andrei Burton will be displaying his mountain bike trials skills from 8am. Ahead of the start of Stage Five there will be a procession through the town centre celebrating the occasion and the town as the birthplace of Sir Francis Drake, with local schoolchildren taking part on vintage bikes. Cycle Devon will also be offering guided rides around the town.

Honiton is hosting its Sport4Honiton festival of sport over the weekend of 11 and 12 September. On Saturday 11 September Andrei Burton will be performing his breathtaking mountain bike trials display outside the Leisure Centre, and the town’s running and cycling clubs will be holding fun runs and a variety of cycling events over the two days. On Sunday 12 September, the Leisure Centre will also host a Swim4Free event. Street entertainers Boogie Base Bugs will be in Honiton town centre on Tuesday 14 September as The Tour sprints through the town and selected traders are offering discounts with vouchers on a special leaflet being distributed in the town. For more information visit: www.sport4honiton.org

In Sidmouth on Tuesday 14 September, the town’s Lifeboat and launch vehicle will be displayed at the western end of the Esplanade from 10am onwards, before it springs into action for a joint display with the Coastguard Rescue Helicopter at 12noon, ahead of the arrival of the race which faces another Sprint followed by the King of the Mountains climb at Peak Hill.

On Wednesday 15 September, Cullompton will be holding celebrations based on the theme of cycling and the town’s history. The 16th century Manor House, The Walronds, will host an exhibition of cycling and historic bicycles, some of which are on loan from Tiverton Museum. There will also be cycle security marking, free bike checks and a shop window display competition. The Town will present its own special award to the winner of the Sprint through Cullompton, at the finish of the Stage in Glastonbury.

Councillor William Mumford, Devon County Council Cabinet Member for Economic Regeneration and Strategic Planning, said: “I’m delighted to see so many events have been organised by local communities to make the most of The Tour. The race generates millions of pounds for our local economy, and combined with these events I’m sure it will prove a massive draw and will really add to the occasion.

“Tavistock and Teignmouth are hosting start and finishes of the South West Stages but for all communities along the route this is a great opportunity, not just to enjoy a great sporting spectacle, but to be part of it and showcase their town and villages to a worldwide audience.”

Councillor David Hall, Somerset County Council's Cabinet Member for Economic Development, said: “Hosting the two stages of the Tour of Britain has a very positive impact on tourism and local businesses in our county. In 2009 we estimated that 250,000 people watched the race, with around a £6 million boost to the economy. Even in these difficult financial times, we anticipate that we can achieve the same or even better results in 2010.”

The £6 million generated for the local economy last year was the result of Devon and Somerset County Councils jointly hosting two stages for the first time. Record crowds were attracted, with nearly a quarter of a million people lining the routes from Frome to Bideford and Hatherleigh to Yeovil.

Devon’s smallest town Hatherleigh was among the communities which benefited last year when it hosted the penultimate stage. Hatherleigh Pottery presented specially made Tour of Britain plates to the leading riders and dignitaries before the start of the stage in the town, and its limited edition commemorative mugs sold out within hours.

Councillor Stuart Hughes, Devon County Council Cabinet Member for Highways and Transportation, said: “We’re investing in making Devon a premier destination for cycle tourism and The Tour of Britain gives us the opportunity to let everybody know exactly what we have to offer. It’s encouraging to see our local communities getting on board to make this a true celebration of cycling. We’re fortunate to have many, picturesque market and coastal towns and we want to help people to get out there and enjoy it, whether it’s by cycling or turning out to watch The Tour.”