FARNHAM Maltings will host its first ever festival of cycling ‘Bike’ this July, with something to appeal to all types of cyclist, from youngsters on balance bikes to those who commute on two wheels, to serious racers – and everything in between.

The one-day event - on Sunday, July 10, from 10am to 5pm - will feature a marketplace featuring products, kit and ideas from established brands in the bike industry alongside newer companies and local enterprises.

There will be a schedule of talks and workshops delivered by experts and stallholders, and the opportunity for children to participate in short sessions run by British Cycling coaches.

Support from local companies East Street Cycles, Hoops Velo, FOUR4TH Lights and Pedal Heaven is enabling a full programme of activities, giving visitors to ‘Bike’ the chance to:

• Take a demo bike for a short accompanied ride.

• Browse the cycle jumble for that elusive or discontinued component.

• Go head-to-head with friends in roller racing competitions.

• Watch cycling films in the Tindle Studio.

• Use pedal power to make drinks on the Smoothie bike.

• See Wyndymilla Kids Go Ride Club in action.

• Try adapted cycling equipment brought along by Alice Holt Inclusive Cycling.

• Have a haircut or beard trim in the pop-up barber shop.

• Watch velo artist Mark Jones at work in the Undercroft.

• Talk to local bike clubs and organisations to find out what they offer.

The programme continues into the evening with a theatre performance of ‘Ventoux’ at 5pm – the story of Lance Armstrong and Marco Pantani in the 2000 Tour de France, performed on road bikes.

At 6pm the first rider will set off from the foot of Firgrove Hill to pit themselves against the clock in the Pedal Heaven Hill Climb. With prizes not only for age and gender categories but also for the fastest team and fastest riders of vintage and folding bikes, this promises to be an exciting event for participants and spectators alike.