East Suffolk Council
Activities in Lowestoft and Felixstowe to celebrate Tour of Britain
Supported by East Suffolk Council, the final stage of the Lloyds Bank Tour of Britain Men is coming to East Suffolk on Sunday 8 September and to celebrate, residents and visitors can enjoy a range of fun activities at the race start in Lowestoft and finish in Felixstowe.
Now in its 20th year, Stage Six of Britain’s biggest professional cycle race will get underway from Lowestoft’s seafront before heading to Beccles, Bungay, Halesworth, Framlingham and Saxmundham, before racing along the Suffolk coast between Thorpeness and Aldeburgh.
The second half of the route travels through Snape, Wickham Market, Kesgrave, and Martlesham, before finishing on Sea Road in Felixstowe. Residents and visitors to the area are invited to watch along the route or come along to the start and finish locations to enjoy the race and a programme of activities taking place in both towns on race day.
Cllr Seamus Bennett, East Suffolk’s assistant cabinet member and Felixstowe ward councillor, said: “The final stage of the Tour of Britain Men will be held entirely in East Suffolk and pass through many of our towns and villages, giving residents, businesses and visitors a unique opportunity to enjoy this amazing international event right on their doorstep. Many towns are organising community activities for residents to get involved in, and there’s also an exciting programme of activities taking place at the start in Lowestoft and finish in Felixstowe. I’m really looking forward to joining in myself and warmly invite everyone to come out and get involved, or just watch, cheer and show their support for the race."
Lowestoft – race start
On behalf of East Suffolk Council, First Light Festival and East Point Pavilion are organising a day of celebration on Sunday 8 September on Royal Green. This much-anticipated event will not only showcase elite cycling but also feature a host of engaging activities, live entertainment and workshops, ensuring a memorable day out for all.
Events start at 9am as the cycling teams gather outside East Point Pavilion ready for their grand departure later in the morning. From here, they will make their way along the promenade to the Claremont Pier before heading out onto the road to set off for the final stage.
The following activities are taking place in Lowestoft:
BMX Pump Track Thrills
Perfect for adrenaline seekers and cycling enthusiasts, the BMX pump track will be open to all ages and will allow participants to test their skills and enjoy the thrill of BMX riding, whether you're a seasoned rider or a beginner!
Workshops
A series of creative and educational workshops will be hosted by First Light Festival, National Literacy Trust, and Books and Prints who will be offering a ‘make your own’ cycle print workshop. These sessions will offer people the opportunity to explore various forms of art, literature, and creativity.
Fun activities for all ages
Way to Go Suffolk, Access Sport, and Everyone Active will be running a variety of activities designed to engage and entertain visitors of all ages. From sports and fitness challenges to fun games and interactive sessions, these activities will promote health, wellness, and community spirit.
Live music
Head to Royal Green for a fantastic line-up of live music including John and Lynne Ward, The Austin Beats, The High Points and the Lowestoft Longshoremen, creating a festive atmosphere that celebrates the spirit of competition and keeping the energy high and the crowd entertained throughout the day. There will also be a live DJ inside East Point Pavilion.
East Point Pavilion
East Point Pavilion’s traders will be open throughout the day serving a diverse range of delicious treats, street food and refreshing beverages. Whether you're in the mood for a hearty meal or a light snack, there’s something to satisfy every palate.
Felixstowe – race finish
Supported by East Suffolk Council, Felixstowe BID and Felixstowe Town Council are organising the Love Felixstowe festival, taking place on Friday 6 and Saturday 7 September to help build up to the stage finish of this year’s Lloyds Bank Tour of Britain Men.
The following activities are taking place as part of Love Felixstowe:
Outdoor cinema at the beachside events area
- Greatest Showman – Friday 6 September at 6.30pm
- Shrek – Saturday 7 September at 9.45am
- Barbie - Saturday 7 September at 5pm
Grab some food, bring a blanket and a camping seat and come and enjoy a movie by the sea. Food and drink will be available from The Alex and the Greenhouse Café.
Saturday 7 September:
Love Green Felixstowe Market
Support local stallholders at Great Eastern Square selling a range of products including vintage clothing, woodwork, spinnaker glass, willow sculptures and gifts. Edible Felixstowe will also be present.
The Triangle
Get your day off to a positive start with a yoga demonstration, followed by music from the Felixstowe Community Choir, Jazz Vibe and the Ipswich Over 50s Brass Band.
Street performers
Keep your eye out for Infinity Circus who will be entertaining people in the high street and at the beachside events area.
Beachside Events Area
As well as the outdoor cinema, you can also listen to live music from Rob Lewis, Gray Davies and BearFootSoul featuring Matt White Unplugged.
Race your friends and family to the top of the coconut tree climber or take on the high ropes challenge.
There will also be creative workshops to join, including Time Bubble Toys where you can make a wooden toy or make some bells and whistles ready to make some noise when the cyclists arrive on Sunday.
Food and drink
Refreshments will be available from The Alex, Sarah’s Coffee and the Greenhouse Café. Also, look out for the Love Felixstowe reusable cups that can be purchased over the weekend.
Sunday 8 September:
Ahead of the finish of the Lloyd’s Bank Tour of Britain Men on Sea Road in Felixstowe, the team buses will start to arrive from mid-afternoon and will be located on Undercliff Road West where they will wait for the riders to come in.
The Tour Village is located at the Beachside Events Area and will host the Lloyd’s Bank Tour of Britain Men partners, family activities, East Suffolk Council, Felixstowe Town Council and Suffolk County Council’s Way to Go Suffolk team.
Coastal 10
The annual Coastal 10 running race, organised by the Felixstowe Road Runners, will start at 9.15am on Felixstowe Prom. There are still a limited number of places available and entries close on Saturday 7 September. http://my.raceresult.com/275402
Martello Tower P open day
Come and learn more about Martello Tower P! As part of Heritage Open Days, Martello Tower P will be open on Sunday 8 September (11am-3pm) as part of events taking place in Felixstowe. Find out more about the tower's history and learn how you could get involved with volunteering, through Cultural Connections Volunteering. Martello Tower P is at Wireless Green, Old Fort Road, Felixstowe, IP11 2EF.
Finishing Straight
There will be lots of activity happening on the finishing straight, from community-led rides to a balance bike competition. Infinity Circus and Just Jay Dance will also be performing.
Big Screens
There will be big screens at both Lowestoft and Felixstowe Tour Villages so you can keep up to date with all the Tour of Britain action live on ITV4.
Full details of the Tour of Britain Men, including the stage six route and timings.