THE biggest landowner on the Tour de France's visit to Yorkshire is supporting an arts and culture festival marking the Grand Depart which is expected to be watched by 3.5 billion people worldwide.

Yorkshire Water has unveiled the first banner at Lower Laithe Reservoir near Haworth - the first of eight locations which will hold pieces of 'land art' during the Yorkshire festival 2014.

The 100 day festival of art and culture is launched on March 27 and over £1 million has already been pledged in sponsorship.

Festival Executive Producer, Henrietta Duckworth, said: “As one of the region’s biggest environmental investors, employers and landowners, Yorkshire Water has recognised what a fantastic opportunity the festival is.

"They are exploring how local communities and arts organisations can engage with their employees and utilise their land and reservoir sites. With this support, we have been able to create an ambitious Festival Programme." 

The Grand Départ in Yorkshire is in two stages on Saturday, July 5th and Sunday, July 6th, 2014.