This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-28140548

The article has changed 4 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
Leeds Arena to host Tour de France opening ceremony Leeds Arena to host Tour de France opening ceremony
(about 9 hours later)
The Tour de France opening ceremony will take place later at the Leeds Arena with all 198 riders taking part in a city centre parade beforehand. Participants in the Tour de France have paraded through the centre of Leeds ahead of the opening ceremony which is being held at the Leeds Arena.
The curtain-raiser will feature performances by Embrace and Opera North and a presentation of all 22 teams. Large crowds lined the route as all 198 riders travelled from Leeds University through the city centre to the arena.
Commuters have been warned the riders' parade, starting at about 18:00 BST, will have a "significant impact" on traffic as a result of road closures. The opening ceremony features performances by Embrace, Opera North and Girls Aloud's Kimberley Walsh.
It will travel from Leeds University to the arena for the ceremony at 18:30. The event also features a presentation of all 22 teams taking part in the race.
'Special one-off' Martin Green, executive producer of the ceremony, said: "We have about 200 performers and a further 300 people on video really saying the people of Yorkshire welcome the world.
The parade will travel from the university, along Calverley Street, Millennium Square, Upper Cookridge Street, Clay Pit Lane and Merrion Way before arriving at the arena. "We have really tried to raise the bar on how the Tour de France starts."
Buses will also be affected by the closures with services being diverted around Woodhouse Lane.
Leader of Leeds City Council Keith Wakefield said: "We recognise this is a working day and given the time of the event it will cause disruption to people's journeys home from work.
"I would ask please for people to be patient and understand this is very much a special one-off, and if possible I would advise staying in the city centre and joining in the fun as it really will be something to see and be part of."
Meanwhile, Leeds Bradford Airport has announced it will have a marquee outside the terminal from Friday to Monday for passengers arriving early to avoid delays caused by the race.
The Tour de France begins in Leeds on Saturday.The Tour de France begins in Leeds on Saturday.
The first stage runs from Leeds to Harrogate with a second stage from York to Sheffield on Sunday.The first stage runs from Leeds to Harrogate with a second stage from York to Sheffield on Sunday.
A third stage, from Cambridge to London, will take place on Monday.A third stage, from Cambridge to London, will take place on Monday.