A Grand Day Out!
Glynis Jones
Course Leader, Sports Promotion & Marketing BA(Hons)
Mon, 07 Jul 2014 17:13:00 BST
Yorkshire welcomed the riders and spectators in grand style for the Grand Depart hosting a party for 2 and half million visitors to the event
As I drove to work this morning the evidence of the celebrations could be clearly seen with the TdF-themed bunting, the flags and yellow bicycles still adorning the route. The inhabitants of the towns and villages which had set out their stalls to welcome not just the cyclists and their entourages will be waking up with a smile on their faces when they consider the fantastic, welcoming show that they put on. The stands are being dismantled, but the ubiquitous spray paint and my particular favourite “Ey up, love” along the route will remind us of the glorious day a little bit longer. The pile of manure with a wheel and 2 legs sticking out alongside the “Loose chippings ..........Oh merde!” sign brought a smile to my face as I sped down the A58 towards Ripponden in rural West Yorkshire.
For marketers and event managers the hopefully the frenzied activity of the last few weeks and days will have paid off. This was a fantastic showcase for the region’s tourist industry and the many businesses which took the opportunity to pitch their advertising banners along the highways of Yorkshire’s roads.
Huddersfield University’s staff and students have been playing their part by getting involved in the management and marketing of the event giving students, in particular, some great content to enhance their CVs.
However, there was divided opinion, with the nay-sayers complaining about closed roads and inconvenience while the yay-sayers convinced that they would be enjoying the party atmosphere over the weekend. The promised rain stayed away and the spectators were in great spirits as the vied for the best positions to watch the leaders and the peloton speed by.
As a sports marketer, I would say this was a prime opportunity for us to show off this beautiful region with its stunning scenery and thriving communities. There will be economic benefits for the region, hopefully a boost for cycling in the UK and a huge feed-good factor was definitely in evidence over the weekend.
What a fabulous weekend, well done Yorkshire!
