Communities across North Yorkshire have been awarded funding to help them celebrate the arrival of the Lloyds Tour of Britain in the county.
The funding, provided through the York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority's Mayoral Community Grant and delivered by North Yorkshire Council, will help residents along the route make the most of one of the UK's most prestigious cycling events.
The grants will support a range of community-led activities, decorations and events designed to create a vibrant atmosphere and give residents and visitors a warm welcome as the race passes through the county.
The North Yorkshire stage of the 2026 Lloyds Tour of Britain will take place on Saturday, September 5, starting in Helmsley before travelling through the county and finishing in Leyburn.
The event provides a major opportunity to showcase North Yorkshire's stunning landscapes, thriving businesses and vibrant communities to national and international audiences. The race is broadcast in more than 100 countries with free to air coverage planned in the UK.
The stage is also expected to attract large crowds, featuring around 2,700 metres of ascent and making it one of the toughest routes in this year's men's race.
Our leader, Councillor Carl Les, said: “We were delighted by the positive response from communities along the route and are pleased to support towns and villages as they prepare for this exciting event.
“The Lloyds Tour of Britain is one of the biggest free-to-attend sporting events in the country, and these grants will help communities celebrate the occasion, bring people together and create a memorable experience for residents, visitors and cycling fans alike.
“It also presents a fantastic opportunity to showcase everything that makes North Yorkshire such a special place to live, work and visit.”
David Skaith, the Mayor of York and North Yorkshire, said: “The countdown is on and the excitement is building as our communities get ready to give a special North Yorkshire welcome to the Tour of Britain.
“We’ll be showing off the North York Moors, the Yorkshire Dales and the vibrant communities that call these spectacular places home on a global stage.
“We’ll be using this moment to celebrate the people who work hard in their community and helping 14 towns and villages make the most of this moment. With our funding we’ll help them decorate our streets, host local events, and create an electric atmosphere right across the county.”
A total of £9,178 has been awarded to communities in Helmsley, Coxwold, Easingwold, Brafferton and Helperby, Grantley and Sawley, Ripon, Pateley Bridge, Grassington, Kilnsey, Kettlewell, Buckden, Patrick Brompton, Harmby and Leyburn to celebrate the Tour of Britain.
Across the route, communities will use the funding to bring the Tour of Britain to life with cycling-themed decorations, locally-made bunting, welcome banners, decorated bicycles, Yorkshire Rose artwork and community displays.
Grants will also support entertainment, family-friendly activities and event infrastructure, helping towns and villages create a festive atmosphere and give riders, residents and visitors a warm North Yorkshire welcome.
Leyburn Town Council’s chair, Councillor Alison Littlewood-Laws, said: “We're thrilled to receive this funding to help Leyburn mark its role as the finish location for the North Yorkshire stage.
“It will enable us to create a real sense of occasion in the town and ensure residents and visitors can fully enjoy being part of such a prestigious sporting event.”
Helmsley Town Council’s chair, Councillor Carol Swift, added: “We are delighted to receive this funding to help Helmsley celebrate its role as the starting town for the North Yorkshire stage of the Lloyds Tour of Britain.
“The grant has allowed us to organise activities, entertainment and put up decorations that will create a real sense of occasion for residents and visitors alike.”
Plans were announced earlier this year to bring a stage of the Lloyds Tour of Britain cycling race to the county in September and then again in 2027.