Lancashire residents will get the chance to be at the heart of the Tour de France when it races through the county next year.
The call has gone out for the hundreds of volunteers who will be needed to help ensure the success of the area’s big moment on the international sporting stage.
Lancashire is hosting an 80-mile stretch of the ‘Grand Départ’ event which is taking place across the UK in July 2027.
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So-called ‘JOY-makers’ are being sought to be the friendly face of the county and assist in the smooth running of the cycling spectacle. In return for giving up their time, they are being promised a “unique” opportunity to be in the thick of action.
Applications are now open for a range of roles in race delivery, spectator support and event operations. They include flag wavers, who will guide the cyclists safely along the route, meet-and-greeters, responsible for welcoming and assisting the crowd, and supervisors, charged with overseeing the volunteer workforce.
No particular experience is needed, as full training will be given. The only requirement is that volunteers have turned 16 by 1st April next year.
Meanwhile, those aged between 18 and 25 will be able to turn their volunteering into a recognised work experience placement by joining the special ‘Readiness to Work’ scheme, which will offer employability skills training and tailored mentoring to help kickstart careers in various sectors.
Lancashire County Council leader Stephen Atkinson told the Local Democracy Reporting Service that he hopes proud Lancastrians will be keen to show off the place they call home.
“The Tour de France coming to Lancashire is a huge moment for our county – and our volunteers will play an important role in making it a success.
“This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity for Lancashire to be part of one of the world’s greatest sporting events, bringing real benefits for our communities, local businesses and visitor economy.
“We know how proud people are of Lancashire – and this is a chance to showcase our beautiful county to visitors from across the UK and around the world,” County Cllr Atkinson said.
A total of 9,000 volunteers are being recruited for the three-stage men’s Grand Départ, which starts in Edinburgh and ends in Cardiff – but it has not yet been revealed how many will be deployed in Lancashire.
The county takes centre stage on day 2 – Saturday 3rd July – when the cyclists will arrive from the Lake District en route to Liverpool. They will pass through places including Carnforth, Morecambe, Lancaster, the Forest of Bowland, Clitheroe, Langho, Whalley, Blackburn, Chorley, Wrightington and Parbold – with every moment being broadcast to a worldwide television audience.
The Lancashire section of the route features a mix of fast sections and demanding climbs, including so-called ‘King of the Mountains’ ascents in the Trough of Bowland and over Rivington, plus an intermediate sprint to ramp up the pace.
Independent estimates have suggested that the event could give the Lancashire economy a £15m boost.
Tracy Power, from ‘JOY’ - the Grand Départ GB 2027 social impact programme – said the chance to get involved as a volunteer was “a truly unique…offer and a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to feel the buzz of being a part of a history-making event, while meeting new people and celebrating your local community”.
She added: “The JOY-makers programme will create a core of engaged volunteers across Britain, who are willing to show up and get stuck in, dedicating their time to bring local events and activities to life. This will not only benefit the cycling community, but also help our local communities to thrive and bolster employability.
“Whether you have volunteered before, are a regular on a bike or are completely new to volunteering and the world of cycling, everyone is welcome as a JOY-maker. We can’t wait to have you join the team, help us celebrate the joy of cycling and showcase your communities through the Grand Départs.”
How can I volunteer to be part of the Tour de France 2027 in Lancashire?
Anybody wishing to volunteer can register their interest at www.letourgb.com/volunteer/ until 1st September.
Offers will be made in December, with core training taking place in January 2027 and specific venue and role training being undertaken next spring.
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