A fantastic weekend of sport, music and fun is in store when one of Britain’s top cycling races comes to Whittlesey.

Cambs Times: Manorfest, Whittlesey. Jessie's Ghost. Picture: Steve Williams.Manorfest, Whittlesey. Jessie's Ghost. Picture: Steve Williams. (Image: Archant)

At least 1,000 spectators are expected to pack the town on Sunday, July 27, to witness the second annual Circuit of the Fens.

One of the races in the British Cycling Grand Prix series, it is just one rung below the Tour of Britain and will feature up to 140 leading riders.

The build-up to the big race begins the previous day with another big cycling event – a “Sportive”, made up of four races of varying lengths.

Also on Saturday, a feast of family fun is promised at ManorFest2 at Fenland District Council’s Manor Centre in Station Road from 3pm to 10pm.

Four bands will be performing - Jessie’s Ghost, Symptom, Sons of Kal-El and Motor City Vipers – as well as local singer-songwriter Misty Jones.

There will also be BMX, skateboard, graffiti and circus workshops, together with various children’s activities such as bouncy castles and face painting.

On Sunday, the 135-mile Circuit of the Fens will start and finish on Market Street, next to the Market Square, and last nearly five hours, including six laps of a four-mile circuit and a sprint finish in the town centre.

A supporting race for amateur riders will also be taking place over a distance of 84 miles, starting just after the main event and lasting three and a half hours.

Entertainment in the town centre to fill the four-hour gap between the start and finish will include two bands, The Islanders and the Breve Music Band, plus three solo artists - Holly Orridge, Abi Miller and Shannon Buckton.

Full road closures will be in operation from 9am to 7pm, plus rolling closures along the route.

The best places to watch the race, apart from the town centre, include Benwick, Eastrea and Coates.

There will also be an Ale Trail, featuring 10 local pubs, all selling different ales.

Tickets for ManorFest2 on July 26 cost £4 (adult) and £2.50 (child). It’s free for under-2s and free tickets are also being sent to children at the four local primary schools.

For more details or to book, visit www.newvisionfitness.co.uk.