BANNERS, flags and the hopefully huge crowds will welcome the Tour of Britain riders including Bradley Wiggins and Mark Cavendish as they speed through Tavistock on September 15 — and Bedford Square will be hosting a series of events.

The tour will pass through Tavistock at around 12.30pm with the riders descending on Drake Road, across the square and the bridge before heading out along Dolvin Road.

Tavistock Business Improvement District (BID), in partnership with Tavistock Town Council, Tavistock Sports Centre and West Devon Borough Council, with support from schools in the area. are planning to celebrate this sporting occasion with a series of events and activities including live music, free activities for families in the grounds of St Eustachius, a cycle challenge and a competition.

All the events will run from 10am to 2pm and Tavistock BID manager Adam Fleet is hoping that the buzz from all the recent cycling achievements at The Olympics and Paralympics will see hundreds lining the streets.

He said: 'The main event will obviously be welcoming the riders as they power through Tavistock.

'There will be a rolling road closure ahead of the tour as it approaches the town.

'We really want the crowd to let the tour know it has arrived in Tavistock, so we will be putting up banners and handing out flags to welcome them.

This will also be the first time the new Tavistock BID branding logo, which emphasises the town's heritage, will be used at a public event and will be displayed on the banners and flags.

'Tavistock has been recognised by the Tour of Britain as a fantastic location with a great atmosphere,' said Mr Fleet.

'As a town we are keen to take every opportunity to celebrate the Tour of Britain.

'There is the possibility that a future stage finish could be located in Tavistock which will be of substantial economic benefit to the town.'

Mayor of Tavistock Cllr Anne Johnson said: 'This is an exciting opportunity with  local groups working together to put on a range of opportunities for residents and visitors to view the Tour of Britain from Tavistock and the surrounding area.

'I am particularly looking forward to seeing cycling superstars including Bradley Wiggins and Mark Cavendish as they cycle at speed through the square.'

Hatherleigh and Tavistock have provided the venues as stage starts in previous Devon stages of the tour.

This year the route will pass through Hatherleigh as well as Okehampton and Princetown. It begins in Ipswich on Sunday (September 9) with the final stage in Guildford on September 16.