The UK’s only cycle touring festival is returning for its fifth year this May.

The festival brings together cyclists of all types, from experienced veterans to those who have never put up a tent before.  It is a non-profit event, run by volunteers, and the focus is on building the cycle touring community.  You won’t find rows of stalls trying to sell you things: instead the focus is on stories from the road and practical advice to inspire and equip you to do your own tour.

The weekend revolves around talks, workshops and films – there are no rides formally organised but people are always welcome to head out on their bikes if that’s what they prefer.

Saturday’s “open mike” event has become a staple of the festival. Any attendee can stand up and speak to their fellow cyclists for three minutes, and some of the festival’s most memorable moments have happened during these impromptu speeches.

A new focus for this year, however, is children.  To recognise this, there are specific sessions for children this year – and children under 16 come for free.

Ticket prices include access to all talks and sessions, three nights’ camping on site and all meals from Saturday morning until Sunday afternoon.