Party begins as Tour de Yorkshire peloton leaves, say Richmond Rocks organisers

The party will begin as the Tour de Yorkshire peloton rides out, say organisers of the Richmond Rocks Cycle Festival.

Local businessman Phil Upton has been leading a sub-group, from the Original Richmond Business and Tourism Association Members, to make sure the celebrations don’t end when the Tour de Yorkshire cyclists depart from Richmond Market Place.

Stage 3 of this year’s Tour de Yorkshire takes place on May 5 with the men racing from Richmond to Scarborough.

Phil says that as the peloton rides out Richmond Rocks Cycle Festival begin.

Phil said: “The aim is to provide something that would help to retain visitors in the town throughout the day, as well as stage a fun event for locals.

“There is to be a community area in the Market Place from in front of the King’s Head and Green Howards Museum down to the Co-op and Mocha where people can meet and enjoy the entertainment.”

Within the community area the Minster FM roadshow stage will be hosting the afternoon and evening events. The stage will have a full sound/PA system to support a range of entertainment and bands including local school groups and other local organisations.

The entertainment will then ramp up during the evening to create a party type atmosphere, similar to Richmond Live.

Bands in the evening will include The Messengers, one of the longest running local groups and B’Chic, playing hits from Chic, Sister Sledge and Diana Ross.

There is also going to be a range of food and drink available in the community area with stalls positioned down the side area in front of the stage.

The aim is to offer refreshments not already available in the town centre, with Indian street food from the Estate Cafe on the Gallowfields Estate, a barbecue from Angus Morton’s Butcher, South African curries, German Bratwurst sausages and a vegan dish from Neeps and Tatties among the planned stalls.

A large screen is also being provided by the race organisers in the town centre in front of Boots and this will remain in place until the cyclists arrive in Scarborough, so we can all watch the race together in the town.

Other community activities will be held in the Friary Gardens, with small children’s fairground rides and face painting among the fun ideas proposed.”

Purple Creative Studios, ProPharma Group, Richmondshire District Council, Richmond Town Council and John Blenkiron Funeral Directors are proud supporters of the Richmond Rocks Cycle Festival.

For the full programme of events please go to www.originalrichmond.co.uk