Cartmel Unveils Major Festival Plans for 2027 Tour de France
Cartmel is planning a major three-day celebration to coincide with the Tour de France’s historic visit to Cumbria in July 2027.
The South Cumbrian village aims to establish itself as Britain’s first “Village du Tour”, with a festival planned from Friday 2 July to Sunday 4 July 2027.
A free daytime festival will be held at Cartmel Racecourse, where visitors will be able to watch live coverage of the race on giant screens. The programme is also expected to include family cycling activities, continental food and drink and a range of entertainment.
Although daytime entry will be free, visitors will need to obtain tickets in advance to help organisers manage numbers. A separate ticketed live entertainment event is also planned for Saturday evening.
The village itself will be given a cycling-themed makeover, with Cartmel Priory illuminated in yellow and streets decorated with bunting, floral displays and yellow bicycles.
Visitors will also be able to stay locally, with camping, glamping and motorhome pitches planned throughout the festival weekend.
Geraldine McKay, director of racing at Cartmel Racecourse, said the arrival of the Tour de France represented a “once-in-a-generation opportunity” and that organisers wanted to create more than a roadside viewing experience.
The festival will combine Cartmel’s reputation as a food destination with the excitement surrounding one of the world’s biggest sporting events.
Cumbria Tourism has also welcomed the plans, highlighting the opportunity for the county to showcase its landscapes and strengthen its reputation as a destination for walking and cycling.
The 2027 Tour de France will include a stage from Edinburgh to Carlisle on 2 July, followed by a second stage beginning in Keswick and travelling through the Lake District towards Liverpool on 3 July.
With preparations already under way, Cartmel is hoping its “Village du Tour” festival will attract visitors from across the UK and beyond and create a lasting legacy from the Tour’s visit to Cumbria.
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