Big Bike Bash - local musicians’ chance to play on Stray

Harrogate may about to go bike crazy again but it’s also hoped it will go music crazy, too.

The story began when the council first announced exciting plans to recreate some of last summer’s amazing Tour de France spirit in the town with its Harrogate Big Bike Bash centred round a closed race circuit 1 to 2km long through Harrogate town centre.

Running from June 19-21, as well as allowing elite teams and amateur cyclists the chance to ride part of the Grand Depart circuit in the town centre, the Big Bike Bash will also see the construction of an Event Village.

This smaller scale version of last year’s hugely popular Fan Park will boast a big screen and food and drink stalls. Importantly for anyone who enjoyed seeing the likes of local musicians DJ Rory Hoy or Purple Mafia performing last year, there will also be an entertainment stage.

In conjunction with Pennine Events, the company which played a key role in the management of the Grand Depart, plans are now afoot to enable local musicians to perform on the Event Village stage on The Stray throughout this thrilling weekend.

John McGivern, who was Harrogate Borough Council’s event manager for the Tour de France last summer, said: “Last summer was so brilliant that we are seeking to recapture many of the positive things that Le Tour brought, including the excitement and all the community involvement.

“Within the Event Village we plan to have a stage, smaller and with a much more limited capacity then last year, and we are keen to see local performers having the opportunity to use it.”

Lois Toyne, head of culture, tourism and sports at Harrogate Borough Council said: “The Harrogate Big Bike Bash is gearing up to be a really exciting weekend for all the family. The event village will open between Friday and Sunday and will feature stalls from some of the district’s finest local producers and a variety of cycle themed fun activities including a circus skills workshop, street performers, and a bike stunt display.

“There will also be a stage featuring local bands from the area, and we would encourage anyone who is interested in performing to get in contact with us.”

All local rock and pop bands have to do now is apply to take part to take advantage of this marvellous public platform for their skills.

Anyone musicians interested in playing should email [email protected] or [email protected]