Hundreds of people are expected to descend on the Mansfield Summer Festival this school holiday to celebrate a summer of cycling.

With the fourth stage of the OVO Energy Tour of Britain cycling race starting in Mansfield on 6 September, the town is gearing up to encourage cycling and physical activity to inspire the next generation of world-class cyclists.

With that in mind Mansfield District Council has organised the annual Summer Festival events, with a cycling and health and wellbeing theme, that run from 10am to 3pm.

The first of three events will take place at Titchfield Park on Friday, 28 July. There will be an array of family entertainment including a charity duck race to raise funds for local soup kitchens.

The second festival at King George V Park, off Blackscotch Lane, on Wednesday, 9 August, will mark the official local launch for Tour of Britain. There will be cycling competitions with medals to be won and plenty of giveaways up for grabs. You’ll also have the opportunity to meet the Tour of Britain mascot and professional cyclists.

You can also have your own bike serviced for free by Dr Bikes, which includes safety checks, puncture and brake repairs and gear setting.

The third and final Summer Festival is at Carr Lane Park, near to the Carrs in Market Warsop, on Tuesday 22 August and will continue the cycling theme with a BMX workshop on the ready-made BMX track.

In addition to the cycling theme at all three events, families can enjoy free pony rides, Punch and Judy shows and even a climbing wall.

In the arena, children can take part in fun workshops such as circus skills, parachute games and maypole dancing, while in the marquee they can have a go at make and take craft activities and even get the chance to make a bird house at Titchfield Park.

Children can get into the spirit ahead of the big race by making shakers to take along on the day and bunting to put up at home to help the council to decorate the district.

There’s something for all the family to enjoy, not forgetting free face painting and even the chance to get involved in some sports activities and handle some reptiles.

Representatives from various council departments including Environmental Health, Leisure and Community Safety will answer questions and give advice throughout the day.

Most activities are free but some require a small donation.

Cllr Andrew Tristram, Mansfield District Council’s Portfolio Holder for the Environment and Wellbeing, said: “After the success of last year’s Summer Festivals the council wanted to go bigger and better this year and celebrate a summer of cycling at the same time – we’re very much looking forward to welcoming the Tour of Britain to Mansfield.

“There’s something for everyone so there’s no better reason to get out of the house, come rain or shine, and make the most of the summer holidays.”

Full details are available online at www.mansfield.gov.uk/summerfestival