A free Tour de France event has been organised, and business and community organisations are being urged not to miss this exciting opportunity and sign up before it's too late.
Cumberland Council has organised the morning event at Keswick Pencil Factory on Thursday 12 November.
Entitled ‘Tour de France Grand Départ 2027: Bringing JOY to Cumberland’ it will bring together Cumberland businesses, community organisations and key partners to explore the exciting opportunities presented by this international event being hosted as part of two stages in our region.
Attendees will discover how the event can create lasting economic and social benefits for Cumberland, support local communities and businesses, and leave a positive legacy long after the race has passed.
The conference will provide an opportunity to connect with partners, share ideas and explore how we can work together to make the most of this landmark moment for the region.
Sign up at the event at www.cumberland.gov.uk/tourdefrance/business-information
The programme will feature networking and Q&A support, providing guidance, advice and direction to further information as the event develops.
Compered by broadcaster Mark McAlindon, the speakers will include Natasha Gada, Social Impact Lead for Grand Départ GB, Josh O’Boyle, Tour de France - Cumberland Project Manager (All About Sports Events Ltd) plus Cumberland Council’s Leader, Cllr Mark Fryer and Darren Crossley, Director Place and Economy.
Leader of Cumberland Council, Cllr Mark Fryer, said:
“This is a great opportunity to find out about the opportunities the Tour de France Grand Départ 2027 will bring to our area. We are delighted to be hosting two stages and will attract international interest at a scale never experienced before. We urge businesses and community groups to get involved. Join us at our event to find out more.”
Natasha Gada, Social Impact Lead for Grand Départ GB added:
"JOY is an ambitious programme and purposefully so - we have a once in a lifetime opportunity to create impact for communities across Great Britain through this event as we pass through so many villages, towns and cities. Across 2027 as we launch our programmes we hope that more people will feel connected to the race and take the opportunity to bring the tour to their hometown, their way."
A panel discussion will also include Claire Aindow and University of Cumbria and Rachel Bell, Cumbria Tourism.
The Tour de France is the world's largest annual sporting event and attracts millions of spectators along the route and a global television audience.
The 2027 Grand Départ will begin in Edinburgh before finishing its opening stage in Carlisle on Friday 2 July. Stage Two will start in Keswick on Saturday 3 July before travelling through the Lake District and Lancashire to Liverpool.
As part of its role as host authority to Stages 1 and 2 of the Grand Départ GB 2027 Tour de France, Cumberland Council will be supporting the delivery of JOY, the national social impact programme, which is designed to embed community impact at the heart of the event, leaving a lasting legacy for households and communities across Great Britain.
Drop-in sessions for businesses and residents will also take place in Carlisle and Keswick during November and December 2026.
Learn more about the Grand Départ, ask questions and meet the team.
Carlisle
• Assembly Rooms, Old Town Hall
Friday 13 November, 2pm to 6pm.
• Botcherby Community Centre, Victoria Road
Wednesday 2 December, 11am to 3pm.
Keswick
• Keswick Rugby Club, Crow Park Road
Wednesday 25 November, 4pm to 8pm.