The most prestigious men’s cycle race in the UK descended on Helmsley on Saturday 5 September – the 4th stage of the Lloyds Tour of Britain started in the beautiful North Yorkshire market town.
With the national spotlight on the area, the £200,000 Heart of Helmsley initiative was launched on the same day with a packed programme of family entertainment in the historic market square.
This ambitious scheme will run until the end of 2027 and has been supported by the York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority Mayoral High Street Fund. It will accelerate key regeneration initiatives – including creation of new toilet facilities, upgrades to the town hall and development of the town’s old railbed – all shaped by local residents and businesses.
Ellie Hook, Manager of the Howardian Hills National Landscape, the lead applicant in the initiative, explained: “The scheme will strengthen the town’s vibrancy and accessibility to make it an even better place to live and visit in the future. It’s an excellent initiative, very much driven by local people. When we found out the Tour of Britain was returning we realised this was the perfect moment to celebrate both with a day of fun and excitement.”
To create a buzz, Helmsley residents and businesses were invited to decorate their homes and shops with a cycling theme. Following the riders’ departure at 11am there was music, games and street performances throughout the afternoon, along with a fancy dress competition, all presided over by the Town Crier. A big screen allowed people to follow the cycle race as it snaked its way through the Howardian Hills and North York Moors, on route to the finish in Leyburn. People were also able to find out more about what the Heart of Helmsley project can do for them.