Velocity Festival brings supercharged weekend of sport
Cycle Race through Lancaster
Details of a major new sports festival in Lancaster and Morecambe have been confirmed.
On the weekend of June 22 to 24 the very first Velocity Festival will be held – a celebration of some of the very best sporting activities the Lancaster district has to offer.
The festival will build on the excitement brought by the Olympic Torch, which is passing through the district on June 22. It kicks off that evening with a cycle road race in Lancaster, building on the district’s growing reputation as a major destination for cyclists and cycle tourism.
Up to 140 riders will battle it out in two races over a course which is sure to put their abilities to the test – the cobbles and narrow streets around the Dalton Square area of the city.
Jet-ski at the Velocity Festival 2012
And while spectators enjoy the sport, Dalton Square will be hosting SHINE Lancaster, which over the three days (Friday June 22 to 24) will feature music, family entertainment, food and drink. Expect to see a celebration of the best of the region; family entertainment, live bands and performers, street theatre, food and drink from local producers, local brewery ales and ciders.
And the fun doesn’t stop there. On Saturday and Sunday (June 23 and 24) the Velocity Festival moves to Morecambe.
Making good use of one of the town’s best natural assets – Morecambe Bay – the Velocity Festival will see water sports enthusiasts from a range of different disciplines come together for a weekend of high octane fun.
As well as watching expert kitesurfers, jet skiers and BMX riders do their stuff, people can have a go for themselves at sailing and kayaking.
To complement the sporting action, there’s live music from local artists along the promenade, Yacht Club and More Music tent in the West End Gardens.
For more information on the Velocity Festival visit www.lancaster.gov.uk/velocity
Summary of events:
Friday
Lancaster City Centre cycle race - Dalton Square area of Lancaster
7pm: Regional B Event for 3/4/W categories – 45 minutes
8pm: National B Event for Elite/1/2/3 – 50 minutes
To enter, or for more information, visit www.cdnw.org/lancastercrits.html
To enable the cycle race to go ahead some roads and car parks will be closed in Lancaster city centre both before and during the cycle race.
For more information visit www.lancaster.gov.uk/velocity
Weekend
Try Sailing - Morecambe and Heysham Yacht Clubhouse, Back Calton Street, near Morecambe Town Hall.
Sat 12.15pm to 3.30pm, Sun 1pm to 4pm.
If you’ve always fancied having a go at sailing then this is the chance for you. These one hour sessions are open to anyone aged 10 and above (10 to 16 year olds must be accompanied by a responsible adult) and all equipment is provided.
FREE, but booking is required and conditions apply. See www.lancaster.gov.uk/velocity for more information or call 01524 842493 to book.
Try Kayaking - Morecambe and Heysham Yacht Club Race Office, opposite Morecambe Town Hall (white building on stilts).
Sat 12.30pm to 3.15pm, Sun 1pm to 3.45pm.
Lancaster and District Canoe Club invite you to experience the exciting sport of kayaking in the beautiful surroundings of Morecambe Bay. These one hour taster sessions are open to anyone aged 10 and above (10 to 16 year olds must be accompanied by a responsible adult) and all equipment is provided.
FREE, but booking is required and conditions apply. See www.lancaster.gov.uk/velocity for more information or call 01524 842493 to book.
Stand-up paddle boards - The Midland Hotel, Saturday pm.
Demonstration of paddle board surfing to the right of the Stone Jetty. In addition, Brookbank Canoes of Lancaster will have a display at the Yacht Club race office in conjunction with Lancaster and District Canoe Club. You will be able to see examples of kayaks, canoes, stand-up paddle boards, sit-on kayaks, sea kayaks and inflatable kayaks.
Kite surfers - The Battery. Saturday (10 am to 4 pm) and Sunday (10.30am to 4.30pm).
Bay Kitesurfing present ‘Ride and Slide’, a weekend of kitesurfing on Morecambe Bay. Be amazed as experienced kite surfers show off their flicks and tricks and compete in a series of competitions.
Skate park - West End Gardens, Morecambe. Saturday and Sunday, 11am to 4pm.
The mobile skate park will be available for anybody to turn up and grab some air. All equipment is provided.
Jet Ski stunt display - Green Street slipway, Morecambe Promenade. Sun 1pm to 4pm.
FNT Display Team is the UK’s leading freestyle Jet Ski stunt team and this special session for Velocity sees them provide a jaw dropping show that’s suitable for all. Prepare to be amazed with a variety of tricks, back flips, flares and other incredible stunts.
BMX demonstration and stunts - The Battery car park, Morecambe Promenade. Sun 11am to 4pm. Professional trials rider, Ben Slinger, will be performing tricks and stunts in 4 3 amazing shows.
Music and entertainment - West End Gardens, Morecambe. Sat and Sun, 11am to 4pm.
More Music will be creating a magical atmosphere with a range of different musical styles.
Go Ride cycle racing event - cycle track, Salt Ayre Sports Centre, Lancaster.
Sat 9.30am to noon.
Go Ride cycle racing events are an informal introduction to racing for anyone aged 8 to 16. The day will include a short time trial (2 miles), a sprint (400m) and then a circuit race to finish. £2 - just turn up and join in the fun.
Guided cycle rides - Salt Ayre Sports Centre reception, Lancaster.
Sat 12.15pm to 4pm, Sun 12.15pm to 4pm.
Two rides open to all ages and abilities along popular cycle tracks in the district. Riders need to supply their own bikes and helmets. The Saturday circular ride takes in the Crook of Lune, Bull Beck and Caton. The Sunday circular ride visits Condor Green and Glasson Dock. Both rides include a half way stop for drinks and a snack. FREE - but you need to book by calling 01524 842493.
Road to the Open, The Arena , Morecambe Promenade Sun 1pm to 4pm.
With the Open Championship coming to Royal Lytham later this year, there’s never been a better time to get involved with golf. Come along to this free session that includes crazy golf, golf skills and provides more information about this popular sport.
Date Updated: 31/05/12