Cycle festival in Bishopbriggs will be first of its kind and it sounds amazing!

East Dunbartonshire’s Cycle Festival 2013 is shaping up to be one of THE events of the summer.

It kicks off this Sunday, June 16, with a fair in Etive Park and is the world’s first Fairtrade cycle festival.

Organisers – ED’s Cycle Co-op – have teamed up with Melrose Music to provide an inspired range of live music to accompany all the cycling activities at the fair, which is on from 11am to 5pm.

The line-up includes young performers, tutors and some more experienced bands from Bishopbriggs, Glasgow and Aberdeen.

Emma Melrose, founder of Melrose Music, said: “When Mark Kiehlmann called and asked if we could help them put on some live performances at the cycle fair, we were only too pleased to help.

“Melrose Music has been going since 2001 and has music schools in Bishopbriggs, Stepps, East Kilbride and Lanark, so there is lots of talent to showcase at the cycle festival.”

Mark Kiehlmann, founder of ED’s Cycle Co-op, said: “We were delighted that Emma and her tutors have been able to join in with the spirit of the cycle festival, with a heap of local talent and some very experienced performers.

“Each year we’ve tried to provide more activities and entertainment at the cycle fair for everyone to enjoy and this year will be something exceptional with the help of Melrose Music.”

The line-up includes:

* Rock School, from Bishopbriggs and Stepps

* Erin Todd

* Jazz Club Scotland

* Laura Whelan Band

Councillor Alan Moir, convener of East Dunbartonshire’s development and infrastructure committee, said: “The combination of physical and cultural activity at this year’s cycle festival will highlight the range of local opportunities for people of all ages.

“Not only does it give a platform for local talent to gain experience and exposure in their chosen activities, but also demonstrates how everyone can be supported in a broad range of interests here in East Dunbartonshire.”

For more i nformtion about the week-long festival visit www.eastdunbartonshirecyclefestival.org.uk

The cycle fair, on Sunday in Etive Park, Bishopbriggs, will be opened by Commonwealth medallist James McCullum.

James will also support ED’s Cycle Co-op launch of a new Scottish Cycling Go Ride club in the area.

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