ORGANISERS of Wallingford's Festival of Cycling are promising spectators a grandstand finish.

Last year more than 1,000 competitors took part in events ranging from?children’s race?to?an elite?race that drew gasps from 4,000 spectators around the highly technical town centre?circuit.?

This year, on Sunday, June 26, 2,000 people are expected to take part in different cycling races and events while 5,500 people watch.

Tickets are now on sale for the 180-seat grandstand and, in a new addition, children's rides will start and finish at the Kinecroft, where there will be a children's festival backed by British Cycling, for 400 young cyclists.

Festival organiser Tony Sefton said: "The grandstand will give people a great view of the finishing line with cyclists heading past at about 4mph.

"There hasn't been a grandstand in the Market Place for as long as I can remember but it can be set up in about an hour and the town council has been fantastic, allowing us to take over the town for the day.

"The town centre is going to get quite crowded so we thought it would be a good idea if children's rides started and finished at the Kinecroft.

"It's going to be a very busy day, with roads around the town centre closed from 12.15pm to 8pm.

"The festival has really grown for its second year and is now just a few weeks away - there are inquiries every day from people who want to get involved."

Mr Sefton said after a film crew from TV drama Midsomer Murders captured scenes of last year's festival for an episode, some of this year's activities would be the subject of a film project by students from Wallingford School.

He added: "One of the key aims of the festival is to encourage participation in as many levels and types of cycling as possible.?

"We were delighted with the response last year and we are aiming to go up a gear."

A circuit is being created around the town centre and races will include a 25-minute race for regional and national youth cyclists for a trophy named after crime writer Agatha Christie, who lived in Winterbrook House until her death in 1976.

The 2016 programme includes a Penny Farthing race, children’s races, a company’s race, organised road and mountain bike sportives, and a 50-mile Tour de France-style road race.

Spectators will be encouraged to cycle to the event, with secure free bike storage available on the day for up to 2,000 cycles on the Kinecroft.

Organisers are looking for volunteer helpers to move barriers and help with road closures.

People can now apply for tickets for the grandstand, which will cost £15 for adults and £12 for children and OAPs.

For further information visit wallingfordfestivalofcycling.co.uk

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