Join Cumberland Council at the Keswick Pencil Factory on Thursday 12 November for - Tour de France Grand Départ 2027: Bringing JOY to Cumberland - an event bringing together Cumberland businesses, community organisations and key partners to explore the exciting opportunities presented by this international event being hosted as part of two stages in our region.
Discover how the event can create lasting economic and social benefits for Cumberland, support local communities and businesses, and leave a positive legacy long after the race has passed. The conference will provide an opportunity to connect with partners, share ideas, and explore how we can work together to make the most of this landmark moment for the region.
The programme will feature networking and Q&A support, providing guidance, advice, and direction to further information as the event develops.
Programme
8.30am - 9.30am
Arrival, registration, and breakfast
9.30am - 9.45am
Cllr Mark Fryer, Leader of Cumberland Council
Welcome and introduction
9.45am - 10am
Josh O’Boyle, Tour de France - Cumberland Project Manager (All About Sports Events Ltd)
Overview of the event in Cumberland
10am - 10.15am
Natasha Gada, Tour de France Grand Départ 2027, and JOY programme
Socio-economic impact and legacy
10.15am - 10.30am
Darren Crossley, Director Place and Economy, Cumberland Council
Making the Grand Départ GB 2027 count for Cumberland
10.30am - 11am
Panel discussion and Q&A
11am - 12pm
Meet the teams - Refreshments and chance to find out more about the event
The Tour de France is the world's largest annual sporting event and attracts millions of spectators along the route and a global television audience.
The 2027 Grand Départ will begin in Edinburgh before finishing its opening stage in Carlisle on Friday 2 July. Stage Two will start in Keswick on Saturday 3 July before travelling through the Lake District and Lancashire to Liverpool.
As part of its role as host authority to Stages 1 and 2 of the Grand Départ GB 2027 Tour de France, Cumberland Council will be supporting the delivery of the national Tour de France JOY programme, which is designed to achieve socio-economic impact and legacy benefits from hosting the race.