Volunteers still needed for Tour de France

Residents are being encouraged to volunteer for the 2027 Tour de France when the world-famous cycling race comes to Montgomeryshire.

The Powys stage will take place on Sunday, 4 July 2027, starting at Powis Castle near Welshpool before passing Newtown along the bypass.

Up to 9,000 volunteers - known as JOY Makers - will be needed to help deliver the event across the route. Applications are open until 1 September 2026.

Organisers are particularly keen to hear from young people under the age of 25 and people with disabilities.

Volunteers must be at least 16, although young people who turn 16 on or after 1 April 2027 may still apply.

As well as offering a front-row view of the race and valuable event experience, volunteering could help younger participants prepare for employment.

JOY Makers aged between 18 and 25 will have the option of joining a free Readiness to Work programme, providing employability training and mentoring.

Councillor Glyn Preston, Powys County Council’s Cabinet Member for a More Prosperous Powys, said: “Volunteering at the Tour de France is a fantastic opportunity for everyone.

“I’d encourage all councillors to share this information with their communities and highlight the many benefits volunteering brings.

“We all know how invaluable volunteers are. Events like this couldn’t run without them, and the Tour de France coming to Powys truly is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

“I also think it’s brilliant that 18 to 25-year-old JOY Makers will receive employment support from the Readiness to Work programme. I hope that lots of young people will get involved and take advantage of this opportunity.”

Further information and applications are available on the Grand Départ GB 2027 volunteering website https://www.letourgb.com/volunteer