Visitors heading to Taste Cumbria Maryport this weekend will have the chance to see an international cycling trophy that celebrates one of the world's biggest sporting events.
The Tour de France Grand Départ Trophy will be on display at the festival on Sunday 9 August, giving residents and visitors an opportunity to learn more about the Tour de France ahead of the race coming to Cumberland in July 2027.
The trophy visit forms part of a programme of events building excitement for the Grand Départ, which is expected to be the largest free sporting spectacle in British history. A Stage One finish in Carlisle and a Stage Two start in Keswick have already been confirmed for the 2027 race, with thousands of spectators expected to line the route through Cumberland.
The trophy will be displayed as part of Taste Cumbria Maryport, which takes place across Saturday 8 and Sunday 9 August. The festival is set to be the biggest Maryport food festival yet, featuring food and drink producers, street food, live music, family entertainment, storytelling, sea shanty performances and the popular Teenage Market.
Events will be spread across two locations, with activities taking place at the Marine Road Showfield and the Harbourside Event Space, part of Cumberland Council's £12 million regeneration of the town.
Darren Crossley, Cumberland Council’s, Director of Place and Economy, said:
“We are delighted to welcome the Tour de France to not only one venue but two in Cumberland. We will be hosting a start and a finish event, over two stages and two days. An ideal opportunity to make a visit and enjoy a long weekend of sporting excellence. We look forward to welcoming thousands of visitors from around the world in summer 2027.
“The Grand Départ Trophy Tour will give visitors the chance to find out more about next year’s event. It will be part of the second day of the two-day festival in Maryport. Come along and find out more about the Tour de France.”
The Tour de France is the world's largest annual sporting event, attracting 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.
Taste Cumbria Maryport is organised by Cumberland Council and is free to attend.
For the latest event information, visit Taste Cumbria.