Latitude and M&S have announced their most adventurous way of travelling to the festival this year with the Tour de Latitude.

This initiative was started by Latitude and M&S in 2012 to encourage festival goers to reduce their carbon footprint by cycling their way to Latitude festival, whilst raising vital funds for the nominated charities. For 2013 the Tour de Latitude will raise funds for Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity, helping them in their life-saving work supporting seriously ill children and their families from across the UK.

The aptly named Tour de Latitude takes place on the first day of the festival Thursday 18th July, giving festival goers the option to cycle from one of three start points along the route, on a tour of country villages, to the Latitude site. The furthest starting point is London, a beautiful 125 mile route with an estimated journey time of 8-12 hours, a challenging ride. The second starting point is just under half the London distance, leaving from Colchester, 55 miles from the festival with an estimated journey time of 3-5 hours, while the final starting point is Ipswich, just 35 miles from the site, estimated at 2-4 hours.

All three routes are very scenic, with small hills, so all levels and abilities are invited to take part in Tour de Latitude. The route will be sign posted, with bicycle mechanics, cycle guides, emergency response, and rest stops every 20 miles with free refreshments courtesy of M&S.

Upon arrival at the festival, cyclists will have their bikes securely stored and will be greeted by a welcome team. There will also be plenty of food and drinks courtesy of M&S to ensure they are fully refreshed for the weekend!

Participants’ bags will be transported separately and will be waiting for collection on arrival. As a thank-you for the fundraising all riders will receive a ticket upgrade to enjoy access to the guest area and campsite making the festival even more special!  What’s more, participants will also receive free transport back to their start point whilst Latitude load-up their bikes and securely return them to the rider’s start point for collection.

There is no fee charged to take part, it is free! All we ask is for participants to raise at least £150 for Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity. To register to take part please click here. 

Melvin Benn, Managing Director of Festival Republic, said:
“The Tour de Latitude is indeed the most delightful way to get to the Latitude festival site.  It was such a joy to see almost 200 people cycling for charity and reducing their carbon footprint on its first edition in 2012, and I hope that with the help of M&S this exciting bike ride will be a success again in 2013 and will hugely benefit the Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity”

Steve Sharp, Executive Director of Marketing at M&S, said:

“After a great first year supporting the Tour de Latitude we’re looking forward to seeing even more festival goers get on a bike and take part in what is undoubtedly the most enjoyable way to travel to Latitude, doing their bit for both the environment and the Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity.” 

TICKET INFORMATION 

Tickets are now on sale here, subject to booking fees. An instalment plan is available for fans who want to spread the cost of their Latitude weekend ticket between now and July.

Weekend adult tickets                                                       £182.50

Weekend accompanied teen ticket (13-15 years)       £132.50

Weekend child (5-12 years) tickets                                  £5.00

Adult day tickets Fri, Sat, Sun                                             £77.50

Child (5-12 years) day tickets Fri, Sat, Sun                                    £5.00

Campervan Permit                                                                         £40-80 (dependent on size)

Locker                                                                                    £16.00 

Weekend tickets prices include car parking and camping. Day tickets include car parking only. 

For weekend accompanied teen tickets, all teenagers must be accompanied by an over 18. Teen tickets can only be purchased at the same time as an adult ticket.