THOUSANDS of cycling fans are expected to attend a four-day festival being staged beside the finishing line of the Tour de France’s opening stage.

Velo-GoGo will stage a fan zone, featuring live music, cinema screenings, a food festival and a range of bars on West Park Stray, Harrogate from July 3 to 6.

The firm’s three other festivals during the tour will be held in London, where the third stage of this year’s race ends.

Harrogate Borough Council leader Councillor Anthony Alton said: “We had always planned to have a fan zone on West Park Stray, but this takes it to another level and it also gives businesses the chance to get involved.”

Ross Blake, founder of Velo-GoGo said festival-goers would be able to watch coverage of the Grand Départ from when the riders are announced in Leeds on July 3. For details, visit tourdefrancefanpark.co.uk or email info@velo-gogo.com