Giant screens, overnight camping and heaps of themed food and drink. Spirits are at an all-time high in Felsted as plans for the Tour de France are stepped up a gear ahead of its arrival in the area on July 7.
Hordes of fans are expected at the roadsides to cheer the famous cycling spectacle on the third leg of its UK journey as its makes it way from Cambridge to London.
Thousands of parking spaces have been made available, residents have put themselves forward as Stage Makers, and the village will have a giant screen so that people can watch all the frills and spills.
Peter Watson, assistant parish clerk, believes Felsted is the perfect location to watch the Tour.
He said: “This will be an amazing day and the whole event will be a tremendous, once-in-a-lifetime spectacle.
“With the help of local landowners and Felsted School, we are planning more than 2,000 parking spaces for spectators plus entertainment throughout the day, as well as a secure cycle park and camping the night before.
“And with a giant screen showing the entire Tour de France story, there are some great reasons for people to choose Felsted as their Tour De France destination.”
For those looking to get a slice of the action as early as possible, a six-acre campsite will be open from 10am on Sunday, July 6.
It is a two-minute walk from the main area and campers do not have to leave until 8pm the following day. It is a first come, first served basis and all money made from the campsite will be going towards repairing the Felsted Church clock.
Michelle Reeves, of the organising Felsted Villages Committee, described the Tour as the “icing on the cake” of an already remarkable year for the village.
She told the Broadcast: “We have already had a lot going on this year with the 450th anniversary of the Alms Houses being set up and the founding of Felsted School, this is will provide us with an opportunity to showcase our beautiful and picturesque village.”
Anyone riding their own bicycle to the event will not have their pulses racing with worry as there will be 700 spaces at Felsted’s secure cycle park, next to the main arena and giant screen. It costs £5 for cyclists and the area will be monitored by CCTV.
Revellers can also enjoy beer festival, barbecue and all the entertainment which will be on offer.
To keep up-to-date with all the action visit felstedtourdefrance.co.uk or follow the Twitter handle @LeTourFelsted
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