THERE are just seven days to go until one of the world's biggest cycling races rolls off in Barnsley.
Next Friday, May 3, stage one of the women’s Tour de Yorkshire and stage two of the men’s race will set off in Barnsley town centre in front of a crowd of thousands.
The women will depart at 9.05am before the men speed off at 2.45pm
There will be plenty of entertainment as well. The In Gear Live music festival will take place at six of Barnsley’s most popular independent bars.
Street entertainment will be on offer as soon as the women’s race departs, with performances from Philleas Fogg, the Sports Guides, Vedalo and Trixie and Tillie.
On Cheapside, the Road Bike Rampage will wow crowds with daring tricks over three performances at 11.30am, 1.30pm and 3.30pm.
The New York Brass Band will take to the main Tour de Yorkshire stage at the top of Regent Street at both 12.45pm and 3pm.
Barnsley Market will host Bicycle Bingo in Market Kitchen between 10am and 4pm, with a creation station for kids in the atrium.
In the market, spectators will get the chance to take a behind-the-scenes tour of the new Library @ the Lightbox via the power of state-of-the-art virtual reality, ahead of its opening on July 13 as part of Barnsley’s Big Weekend.
Sue Thiedeman, Head of Culture and Visitor Economy, said: “It will be another brilliant day for Barnsley. We’ve had a great response in the build-up and we’re excited to welcome so many people to the town.
"We’ve got so much to show off and it promises to be a fantastic day for everyone who comes into the town centre.”
The town centre will be open for business.
Upper County Way car park and St Mary’s car park will be closed on race day.
