Full Day at the beer and music festival, in the sunshine. Bands, big screen with the race on, then the football. Thousands of people camping, cycling and picnicking. Bbqs, full families of every generation just out in the fresh air enjoying themselves. Spending money in Yorkshire on local produce. Whole communities just enjoying the occasion. Not an x box or ipad in sight. Fantastic. Obviously not a patch on a routine Saturday night. ...
Thought the good folk of Yorkshire, (and beyond no doubt) did us proud today fired...even dirty Leeds this morn Looking forward to t'morra..
Aye, got a lift back through Oughtibridge back to Grenoside - people everywhere just soaking it up -brilliant. Every village has been transformed and is just vibrant. Just a lovely, memorable day, and we've got another one ahead tomorrow.
I know this probably sounds trivial, but this afternoon, my eldest would probably been on the xbox, the youngest may have played out. Today, they have been out all day. Chatting, enjoying the setting, playing together, and just enjoying being a part of something. They also can't wait for tomorrow.
Which begs tbe question of why does it need the tour de france for their to be an outdoor activity like this in the area? Lets face it the race being on the telly was a tiny part of what you enjoyed today. Isnt it about time that there was a permanent summer social event up there? Why does it need a race 30 miles away to make you enjoy yourself out there today?
Two weeks ago there was the Grenoside Gala... a huge community event attracting two thousand people. Traditional stuff, bringing the community together. Last weekend Oughtibridge had theirs. Not quite as well attended due to the weather but nevertheless the feeling of Community togetherness and pride is off the scale just now. These are annual events. The tdf has just taken it to another level.
But the small village galas are just that, theyre small. Wouldnt it be fantastic if there was a summer long event up at bradfield or somewhere out there where a big screen is up all the time. It could show wimbledon, the british grand prix, the tour de france, football every two years, cricket and even movies like a drive in. Get local bands on a stage up there and regular bbqs and things and it could be a real tourist attraction where people want to visit in the summer. Then again i cant be arsed to organise it myself so why should i expect anyone else to really.
Said similar today .... can't believe there isn't a permanent camp site. The views are stunning and plenty of walks. Maybe it will be the legacy?
We had a little drive up to the Langsett hub to do a reccy for tomorrow and we think we're all sorted. I saw the TDF once on a steep hill in the rain in the middle of nowhere near Annecy and I was amazed at the amount of people turning out when you couldn't see a house for miles around. Tomorrow should top it. Problem is, we were concerned when we moved back up from London that the kids would grow to resent us for it, wondering why we brought them from London, where it's all happening, to a little village on the edge of Barnsley. But in the past couple of years they'll have seen the Olympic torch and the TDF coming through the town (okay, Langsett is the very edge of town, but the cyclists will be passing a sign that says Welcome to Barnsley and that's good enough for me!). They're going to grow up with some very unrealistic expectations of what happens round here. Although I'm taking my daughter to the Hull match for her first taste of football, so that should be a bit of realism for her. Having said that, she's already planning how many matches she's coming to and today asked if I will take her to away matches. Looks like my long Saturday evenings in the No 7 may be coming to an end!
Great atmosphere in Leeds. Major roads closed, kids playing football on them, parents sat on the kerbs, other kids riding their bikes where they'd otherwise be squished. BBQ's by the side of the roads, loads of people cycling here there and everywhere. And it was quiet, free from vehicles with the only sound coming from people laughing and having fun. Cars are an unfortunate necessity, but it's lovely when the environment is free of them for a few hours.
Sounds like a reyt day. As Supertyke said it's a shame it's not like that more often. I suppose it doesn't fit in with "modern life" for whatever reason. Would be great to have annual events all over Yorkshire that are well attended in the sun. Had a walk up to Leeds centre in the afternoon, still plenty or people knocking about. Can imagine it being about 500 times better than in the city centre with all the local communities and people out though. Did get some free Nandos sauce so good times.
Good to hear, it was fantastic in Harrogate too, not a sign of trouble all day & everyone seemed to enjoy themselves
Agreed good vibe in Leeds .... got to Headrow at 9.40 ... rammed 8 deep at the barriers .... ended up seeing SFA .... late lunch (paid for) at Fuji Hiro ... good times
