Free Lake District Event to Help Businesses Prepare for 2027 Tour de France
Businesses and community groups across Cumbria are being invited to a free event in Keswick to prepare for the economic and social opportunities of the 2027 Tour de France.
The morning conference, titled Tour de France Grand Départ 2027: Bringing JOY to Cumberland, will take place at Keswick Pencil Factory on Thursday 12 November. Organised by Cumberland Council, it will bring together local businesses, community organisations and key partners to discuss how the international cycling event could benefit the region.
Attendees will have the opportunity to learn about potential economic benefits, explore ways to support local communities and consider how businesses can make the most of increased interest in the area. The programme will also include networking opportunities and a question-and-answer session, giving participants access to guidance as preparations for the race continue.
The event will be compered by broadcaster Mark McAlindon. Speakers include Natasha Gada, social impact lead for Grand Départ GB, and Josh O’Boyle, Tour de France Cumberland project manager at All About Sports Events Ltd. They will be joined by Cumberland Council leader Councillor Mark Fryer and Darren Crossley, the authority’s director of place and economy.
A panel discussion will also feature Claire Aindow from the University of Cumbria and Rachel Bell from Cumbria Tourism. The discussion is expected to focus on the opportunities created by the race and how businesses, organisations and communities can work together to make the most of the event.
Councillor Fryer said the event would provide an opportunity to understand what the 2027 Grand Départ could bring to the area. He highlighted Cumberland's role in hosting two stages and the international attention expected to accompany the race, encouraging businesses and community groups to get involved.
Cumberland Council is also supporting JOY, a national social impact programme designed to create lasting benefits for households and communities across Great Britain. Natasha Gada said the programme aimed to connect more people with the race and encourage communities to bring the Tour to their hometowns in ways that reflect local interests and priorities.
The 2027 Grand Départ will begin in Edinburgh, with the opening stage finishing in Carlisle on Friday 2 July. The second stage will start in Keswick on Saturday 3 July before travelling through the Lake District and Lancashire towards Liverpool. The race is expected to attract large numbers of spectators and a substantial international television audience.
Further opportunities for businesses and residents to meet the organising team will be available through public drop-in sessions in Carlisle and Keswick. These sessions will allow people to ask questions, find out more about the event and understand how they can become involved in preparations.
The Carlisle sessions will take place at the Assembly Rooms in the Old Town Hall on Friday 13 November, from 2pm to 6pm, and at Botcherby Community Centre on Victoria Road on Wednesday 2 December, from 11am to 3pm. In Keswick, a drop-in session is scheduled at Keswick Rugby Club on Crow Park Road on Wednesday 25 November, from 4pm to 8pm.
Businesses and community organisations interested in attending the conference can find registration details and further information through Cumberland Council's official Tour de France business information page.
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