Major New Cycling Festival Set to Illuminate London's Streets This Summer
World Class Bike Racing is poised to deliver an electrifying new sporting spectacle to the heart of the capital this June. The City of London Nocturne, a two-day cycling extravaganza, has been officially confirmed for June 12 and 13, transforming the iconic Square Mile into a vibrant racing circuit.
Reviving a Beloved Tradition with Grand Ambitions
This ambitious event marks the triumphant return of world-class bike racing to the City of London, drawing inspiration from the highly popular Smithfield Nocturne that captivated audiences from 2007 to 2017. Supported by the City of London Corporation as a key component of its 'Global City of Sport' strategy, the Nocturne aims to establish itself as a permanent highlight on London's sporting calendar.
James Pope, Nocturne Founder & Organiser, expressed his enthusiasm: "We're incredibly excited to bring world-class bike racing back to the streets of the City of London with the launch of the City of London Nocturne. The original Nocturne events captured the imagination of riders and fans alike, and this new chapter builds on that heritage with an even bigger, more dynamic festival of cycling right in the heart of the Square Mile."
Innovative Two-Day Format Combines Elite Racing and Charity
The reimagined Nocturne spans two action-packed days with an innovative format designed to create a spectacular festival atmosphere. The event kicks off on Friday, June 12, with the groundbreaking GOSH City Criterium – a unique charity Pro-Am team challenge that blends professional and amateur competition for a vital cause.
Teams of four amateur riders will be paired with a professional cyclist to compete on a fully closed-road circuit through iconic City streets. Each team's £5,000 entry package includes premium hospitality, training resources, and the opportunity to participate in a pre-event auction to select their preferred professional rider.
Sarah Bissell, Deputy Director of Relationship Fundraising at GOSH Charity, emphasized the event's significance: "We're delighted to be partnering with Nocturne for this exciting new event, which offers a fantastic opportunity for teams to take on a unique challenge while raising vital funds for GOSH Charity. Every penny raised will take us one step closer to building a world-leading new Children's Cancer Centre at GOSH."
Elite Competition and Unforgettable Spectacle
Saturday, June 13, will showcase the pinnacle of competitive cycling with Elite Races registered on the prestigious UCI calendar. These races are expected to attract leading British and international male and female professional riders, delivering world-class athletic performances.
Beyond the elite competition, the Nocturne promises unforgettable entertainment with iconic novelty races including the Folding Bike Race, Penny Farthing Race, and the new Voi Bike Challenge. These unique events ensure broad appeal beyond dedicated cycling enthusiasts, creating a must-see spectacle for all Londoners and visitors.
Transforming the Cityscape into a Sporting Arena
The event will unfold on a thrilling 1.3-kilometer closed-road circuit weaving through Cheapside and Bank, right in the financial heart of London. Big screens, live music, and entertainment will create a vibrant festival atmosphere around the racing action.
Chris Hayward, City of London Corporation Policy Chairman, highlighted the event's transformative potential: "It's great to see the Nocturne returning to the Square Mile this summer. Bringing world-class cycling into the heart of the City will give people the chance to experience our streets in a completely different way. It's exactly the kind of event that helps make the Square Mile a magnetic destination where people choose to live, work, learn and explore."
Accessible Entertainment with Global Reach
The City of London Nocturne remains completely free to attend for spectators, with ticketed hospitality options available at the finish line. The elite races will receive live broadcast coverage on TNT Sports and HBO Max, while other races will be streamed live on YouTube, ensuring global accessibility.
All proceeds from the GOSH City Criterium will support GOSH Charity's ambitious 'Build it. Beat it.' appeal, which aims to raise £300 million for a state-of-the-art Children's Cancer Centre at Great Ormond Street Hospital. This revolutionary facility will feature new inpatient wards, intensive care units, operating theatres, a cancer day care centre, a hospital school, and therapeutic outdoor spaces including a roof garden.
Race entries are now officially open, with full details available at the official event website. The City of London Nocturne represents not just a sporting event, but a celebration of community, charity, and athletic excellence set against one of the world's most iconic urban backdrops.
