A new website detailing Otley’s plans for “huge” Tour de France celebrations has been launched.

Otley – The Road to Paris, at tdfotley.co.uk, aims to highlight all of the events that either are in place for or will be announced before Saturday, July 5.

It will also list useful information for residents, including about road closures, as it materialises as the date of the Grand Depart’s arrival edges closer.

Featuring a timer counting down to the big day, the site has been put together by the Tour de France steering group that is being co-ordinated by Otley Town Council with the Town Partnership.

Council leader Councillor John Eveleigh (Lab, Ashfield) said: “We are delighted to formally launch the website, which will give visitors and residents a chance to see what is being planned both for the day and the run-up to the event.

“A considerable amount of work has been undertaken by the steering group to ensure that the whole event is a huge success for Otley.

“We won’t have a better opportunity to put the town on the map and what we are attempting to do is have a whole programme of events which will attract visitors – and make them want to re-visit.

“We are extremely grateful to local company McKendrick Multimedia who have given their time and resources to help us bring this together.”

Some of the activities confirmed for the day include:

  • a big screen in the market square that will show the whole race followed by World Cup football
  • static cycling competitions and a Yorkshire food and craft market
  • music hubs and ‘busk stops’ for musicians alongside the Tour’s route through town, and pre-race music and dance
  • special shop window displays and flags.

A guide to cycling, including a history of the Tour de France, and a link for a soon-to-be-launched TDF Otley App are also included on the site.

Coun Eveleigh added: “I would urge people to visit the website for more information, to see what’s planned, and to keep us posted with events they are organising.

“Over the course of the next few weeks more of the planning will become clearer for what is going to be a huge occasion for the town.”

In its recently approved budget the town council set aside ££5,000 towards Tour de France related activities, and another £5,000 for community-driven ‘legacy’ projects.

The event’s steering group includes representatives from: Otley Cycle Club; Otley Sportive; Otley Chamber of Trade; Otley Courthouse; the Big Hoo-Ha Co; Welcome to Yorkshire; Otley Walkers are Welcome; and Leeds City Council.