Hebden Bridge was at its most wonderful for the Tour de France
Monday, 7 July 2014
Hebden Bridge was at its most wonderful this weekend. The Tour de France sailed though in a matter of minutes but the experience of the weekend was something we're all going to remember.
Starting on Saturday, the warm sunshine gave a holiday atmosphere and Arts Festival events helped build the ambiance. The town was thronging with Tour themed events in the Square, Bridge Gate and the Town Hall. Calder Homes park was full of people enjoying the sunshine. Live music outside the Trades Club added to the summery atmosphere. And the town was full of people, smiling or chilled.
Click to enlarge - Photo:HebWeb
On Sunday people descendied on Hebden Bridge in their thousands and thousands. All Sunday morning and most of the afternoon, there were no cars anywhere. Cyclists and pedestrians were able to reclaim the streets.In spite of so many people, there was an unfamiliar quietness.
Calder Holmes hub and big screen was one of the main attractions - over 7000 attended during the day. Around one o'clock, people took themselves off to find the best spot to watch the Tour de France go by around a quarter to two.
The main road through Hebden Bridge full of people. Not a car in sight.
Click to enlarge - Photo:HebWeb
Everything came together with the weather to give people a special and memorable experience in Hebden Bridge. Below is a collection of Tweets where people have commented on their weekend in our town.
Tour de France Tweets
Wow what an amazing weekend. The Book Case
Brilliant day at the Tour de France in Hebden Bridge. Nader Fekri
@letour will never forget the atmosphere, @letour will never forget the landscapes! letour
I have been a grumpy cynic all year - but #letouryorkshire was the most excited I've seen Mytholmroyd ever - BRILLIANT! - Red Ladder Theatre
Great day for Calder Valley - Josh Fenton Glynn
HebdenBridge still buzzing - Inner Cyclist
Is everyone really that desperate to get back to their cars now it's over? Heart Gallery
Wow what a weekend. Thank you Hebden Bridge. Daisy
Sun, bunting and yellow everywhere. Still feeling the rush of air from the zooming pelleton at le Tour de Hebden Bridge Deb Newbold
I'd like to live in hebden bridge - Mary C
Traffic free Hebden was great! Rhona
big thanks to all involved in organising the wonderful events at Hebden Bridge today for the tdf. #amazing Liane Raine
Wonderful weekend in Hebden Bridge - Fi Gilmore
Hebden bridge had its best dress on for the #letouryorkshire - Sian Rogers
Thanks Hebden Bridge, you were awesome. G Banger
Today the #tdf in Hebden Bridge was utterly spectacular. Madam Lilac
Amazing Day Out Chilling in Hebden Bridge Billy
What an amazing time at Le Tour. The sun was baking, the atmosphere fun & friendly; Hebden Bridge was rocking. Even got free Yorkshire Tea. Mick McHugh
What a fantastic day in Hebden Bridge! David Ormerod
Respect to Mayor of Hebden Royd who made his way thru spectators in the hub with chain, distributing leaflets re Hebden & exclaiming virtues - Leaving of Liverpool
Every time I've been to Hebden Bridge it's been warm and sunny Is it always like that? Once again have come home with a sun burnt forehead!! Ray Thomas
Le Grand Depart in Hebden Bridge was a truly inspiring communal event of bunting, beret's and beaucoup des velos jeune. Justin Audibert
Hebden was so nice today i love the tour de france - Ghosty
What a treat riding through traffic free Hebden. Old, young and all genders cycling and walking Can we do it again nxt week please - Adrian Lord
In Hebden Bridge after watching Le Tour fly through - lovely atmosphere - music, arty shop & bike decorations everywhere - oh and sunshine! Lindsey Russell
Top spot for a view of the bikes. It's like a carnival here in Hebden Bridge. Chrissie King
See also
Tour de France - Craig Shaw's Cragg Vale gallery
YouTube - Peleton going through Hebden Bridge
YouTube - Tour de France 2014 Keighley Road, Hebden Bridge
YouTube - Tour de France, Hebden Bridge
Hebden Bridge Hub - time lapse video