Tadcaster is dressed and ready to welcome the world’s top cyclists when the town plays host to the men’s and women’s Tour de Yorkshire bike races tomorrow.
With over 11 million people, from across 178 countries, watching the televised races, the town’s community and businesses have backed the race decorating Tadcaster with dressed windows, banners, bunting and art.
The community craft group Tadcrafters led by Su Morgan has been working hard behind the scenes to design Tour de Yorkshire-themed decorations. Tadcrafters have been holding workshop sessions creating decorations working with schools and the local community. The group has created decorations including bunting and mini knitted jerseys for shop windows and public areas along the ceremonial route. Some of their more ambitious creations have included larger scale decorations, decorating the viaduct and St Mary’s Church tower.
Businesses in the town have joined in with colourful and creative ways to celebrate the race arrival coming up with artistic ways of incorporating their products into a cycling theme. Yesterday (Thursday 27 April), Sir Gary Verity and race director Christian Prudhomme visited Tadcaster to tour the town to see the host’s decorated efforts.
To get the town noticed from above land art projects across the town have taken shape. Projects include installations from the Riverside School, situated on the school premises, and Tadcrafters, which will be based along the river bank. Also based along the river bank is a bicycle-themed land art piece made from flowers.
Angela Crossland, Selby District Council’s, Head of Community, Partnerships and Customers said, “I would like to thank Tadcrafters, the town’s businesses and local community, for their hard work in getting Tadcaster ready for the Tour de Yorkshire. Whether you’ve helped make decorations or dressed your premises, every bit of help to get the town ready is appreciated. It’s been great to see members of the community getting involved, doing their part to support the tour.
“I hope that everyone enjoys the race and makes the most of cycle festival events taking place across the town. The race will provide a huge platform to raise the profile of the town, encouraging more visitors to come to the area.”
Come along to Tadcaster on 29 April and experience not only one but two races as the town plays host to both the men’s and women’s races. Alongside the race the town will be hosting a fun packed day of events at the Tadcaster Cycle Festival, there’s something for everyone.
