A gala performance night to celebrate the Tour de France’s passage through Keighley will take place in Victoria Hall in July.

The idea for the occasion was conceived by local cycling enthusiast Frank O’Dwyer, and is being backed by Keighley Town Council. Proceeds will go towards Manor-lands hospice in Oxenhope.

The July 4 event will feature performances inspired by the Tour de France itself and Keighley’s rich history of competitive and recreational cycling.

A spokesman for the organisers, including Keighley Amateurs, said: “We hope the evening will provide a great curtain-raiser to a weekend of cycling action, the likes of which the town has never seen before or likely will again.”

Sue Ryder fundraiser Harriet Bevan said: “We’re delighted to have been chosen to be involved in this event. We have lots of great music and dance acts signed up, but we are seeking a few groups who can get involved with other genres.

“Additionally, we are looking to hear from anyone with any amusing local cycling anecdotes, as we are wanting to give the evening a fun feel that everyone will enjoy.”

Anyone interested in getting involved as a sponsor, or would like to offer a performance for the evening, should contact Harriet via e-mail at harriet.bevan@ sueryder.org or on (01535) 640430.

Mr O’Dwyer said: “We’ve sketched out a programme of events. The first half will mainly involve performances by schools – we’ve already got the basis for a good show.

“It’ll have a French theme, and it should be a good little earner for Sue Ryder.”

More logistical information about the Tour de France’s impact was discussed at Keighley Town Council’s meeting last Thursday.

Councillor Peter Corkindale informed the meeting the Church Green car park will be used for disabled parking on July 6.

He added there will be vantage points for people with disabilities in Church Green and outside Keighley Town Hall.

Temporary toilets will be instal-led along North Street and Low Street. “If we don’t have enough toilets, then people will start using people’s gardens, and we want to avoid that,” he stressed.

“They are looking at making Victoria Park into a visitor hub, which will include a Marshall’s funfair.”