Time to show off Tameside when Tour of Britain attracts 30 million viewers

Bright and colourful crowds will line the streets of a number of our towns when the Tour of Britain comes to Tameside on Saturday, September 14.

The eighth and final stage will pass through Gee Cross, Hattersley, Mottram, Stalybridge and Mossley with thousands of fans expected to turn out to cheer on the world class cyclists. 

Residents, businesses and schools in Tameside are now being encouraged to get involved by dressing, decorating and lining the route with an array of artistic creations.  

Pupils at Millbrook Primary School in Stalybridge have already been practicing, creating a giant bicycle with moving wheels.

The National Land Art competition celebrates the best of these works of art. The competition challenges communities, schools, clubs, businesses, land owners and farmers to come up with the brightest and most eye-catching displays to line the race route.

The inaugural edition in 2018 captured the imagination of the public, with over 50 entries and designs including painted bikes, scarecrows, floral displays and fancy dress.  

Last year’s winners created a huge bicycle with moving wheels, pedals and chain using tractors, quad bikes and an excavator. The competition is expected to be even more intense this year. 

Cllr Leanne Feeley, Tameside Council’s executive member for culture, said that: “Creating eye-catching displays along the race route will be a fantastic way to showcase the vibrant communities and culture that we have in Tameside.  

“With an expected international audience of 30 million viewers, we have a great opportunity to show off the best of our borough’s creative spirit.”

If you have a bright idea for creating a display and a location along the route in mind, you can enter the competition at www.tourofbritain.co.uk/national-land-art-competition-returns-to-the-ovo-energy-tour-of-britain. 

The winning entry will receive a trophy and Tour of Britain prizes, presented by Race Director Mick Bennett.  

For more details about the Tour of Britain visit tourofbritain.co.uk.