The Tour de France Grand Départ will come to Cumberland in July 2027, bringing one of the world’s most recognised sporting events to the area.

Cumberland will host two stages of the men's 2027 Tour de France Grand Départ:

• stage one will finish in Carlisle on Friday, 2 July 2027
• stage two will start from Keswick on Saturday, 3 July 2027, heading through the Lake District toward Liverpool

Before, during and after the event, we welcome community events that help celebrate the Tour de France Grand Départ and support local communities.

This guidance is for events taking place between Monday 21 June 2027 and Wednesday 7 July 2027.

Before you start planning

Before making plans for your event:

• consider where you plan to hold the event, as some council and partner-owned land and facilities, particularly in Carlisle and Keswick, will be used for the main Tour de France event
• make sure you have permission from the landowner before proceeding
• read Advice and guidance for event organisers
• remember that event organisers are responsible for public safety and are legally accountable for their event
• review whether your event includes any licensable activities, identify which licences you may need and read Licences required for organising an event

Once you have reviewed the guidance, submit your event application using Apply to run an event.

Apply as early as possible

Give as much notice as possible when planning your event.

We ask for at least 4 to 6 months notice for all events, particularly where road closures or licensable activities  may be required

Send your application to [email protected]

What happens next

Your application will be reviewed by relevant teams, including highways, environmental health and Cumberland Council’s Tour de France project team. Emergency services will also be notified.

The reviewing teams will provide feedback on any considerations for your event and advise how it may affect, or be affected by, the safe delivery of the Tour de France in Cumberland.

Business guide

Grand Départ GB is developing a business guide with practical advice to help businesses make the most of opportunities created by hosting the Tour de France Grand Départ.

The guide will be published on the Grand Départ GB website when available.

Community Engagement Toolkit

A community engagement toolkit will be available on the Grand Départ GB website from spring 2027.

The toolkit will include ideas and guidance for:

• arts and crafts activities
• community celebrations
• neighbourhood events
• home-based activities
• shop window displays

These resources will help individuals, families and community groups celebrate the Grands Départ in a way that works for their local area.