The bunting’s back, the beer’s being brewed and the bands are standing by. Yep, Bishy Road is having another bash.
After the huge success of the Tour de France after show knees-up on Bishopthorpe Road, the traders are going to do it all again for the Tour de Yorkshire.
And Yorkshire’s tourism boss Gary Verity is urging other streets and communities to organise similar celebrations this May.
Gary met with the Bishy Road Traders Association on Tuesday (March 24) to learn about their party plans.
The street is to host an E By Eck party on Saturday, May 2.
That is the middle day of the inaugural Tour de Yorkshire, when the world’s top cyclists will race round York twice.
Wave flags and go for it
Gary Verity is chief executive of Welcome To Yorkshire, the tourism body which brought both cycle races to God’s own county.
He said over the May weekend “we will once again show the world just how great our Yorkshire welcome is,” adding:
We’d like the whole of Yorkshire to come together to create great community led events such as the one planned for Bishy Road in York. I urge anyone considering a local event to go for it!
Gary also unveiled a new community notice board, funded by proceeds raised from the Tour de France street party, which includes community news and a display of Grand Départ highlights.
What’s planned on Bishy Road
Once the race has passed through Bishopthrope Road, tables and chairs will be brought onto the street to create a long community dinning table.
Everyone will be encouraged to dress in a flat cap, with a prize for the best Yorkshire outfit worn – whether by man, woman, child or even dog!
Other highlights include…
A Yorkshire market, celebrating the best of local food and crafts
The launch of three new community “Bishy Brew” beers, specially brewed for the event using ingredients sourced from Bishopthorpe Road such as rhubarb, tea, lavender and liquorice
The street being decorated with bunting, Yorkshire flags and flowers
Children’s entertainment, including rides and classic games such as hook a duck and a coconut shy
Bands and buskers from the local area
Stalls showcasing local organisations and charities
A raffle to win a cake with Sir Bradley Wiggins‘ face on it
Bishy Road Traders Association chair Johnny Hayes said: “If communities out there are thinking about doing something we urge them to do it.
“We’ve had great fun creating an event that celebrates the best of Yorkshire while putting our community at the heart of our street party.”