A FESTIVAL to celebrate the Tour de Yorkshire will allow the party to continue long after the cyclists have finished the event.

Richmond businessman Phil Upton has been leading a sub-group, from the original Richmond Business and Tourism Association members, to plan a series of events in the town.

Saturday, May 5 sees the start of stage three of the tour as the men’s race gears up for a day’s racing from Richmond to Scarborough - and as the peloton rides out, Richmond Rocks Cycle Festival begins.

Mr Upton said: “The aim is to provide something that would help to retain visitors in the town throughout the day, as well as stage a fun event for locals. There is to be a community area in the Market Place from in front of the King’s Head and Green Howards Museum.”

Bands in the evening will include The Messengers, one of the longest running local groups, and B’Chic, playing hits from Chic, Sister Sledge and Diana Ross.

There will be children’s fairground rides in Friary Gardens. Visit www.originalrichmond.co.uk.