A NEW cycling festival hopes to encourage more people to see the value and joy of the sport.

Kendal Cycling Festival will run on April 30 and May 1 on Market Place.

The first of its kind, the volunteer-run event will see a range of cycling events, talks and films take place. 

Organiser Stuart Lockton said: "It's about drawing all sections of the community - from the young people, to grandparents, to people who perhaps hadn't considered cycling in the past -  to have a better understanding of the options everyone has for cycling to raise the profile of cycling in the town with the objective of showing people bikes can help people move towards healthier lifestyles and meet carbon reduction targets. 

"We want to show cycling really is something for everyone and we will demonstrate there really is a bike for everyone.

"It’s going to be an amazing ride for the two days. So much to see, hear and experience."

The mayor is expected to open the event, where community rides will be put on by Kendal Cycling Club, and will arrive on tandem.

The festival has partnered with Kendal Wheels for All to demonstrate a range of adapted cycles and Wheelbase will offer e-bike trial rides in Abbot Hall Park over the two days.

The Abbot Hall pump track will also be open with demonstrations by local stunt bike rider Jake Aktkinson.

A bike repair cafe, supported by Giant Kendal, will run on Sunday and a bike sale/swap shop offering people access to cycling gear and repairs at a lower cost or for free will run on Monday.

Also at the festival, keynote presenter Lee Craigie will show her Resolution Race film and interview with Fiona Marley-Patterson, highlighting the environmental benefits of cycling, as well as a talk from other key speaker, record breaking, round the world cyclist Jenny Graham.

The festival, which organisers hope will become an annual event, has been supported by Kendal Town Council, Kendal BID and Brucie's Bikes. It also recieved funding from Cumbria Action for Sustainability Community Carbon Fund, Cumbria County Council and Cumbria Community Foundation.