WIREDGOV

Volunteers needed as Tour de France Grand Départ comes to Wales in 2027, deadline to apply is Tuesday 1st September.

Grand Départ Trophy will visits the Caerphilly Cheese Festival on Saturday 29th August.

The window to apply to be a part of history by volunteering to be at the heart of the Tour de France and Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift Grand Départs in Wales next summer is closing soon.

Volunteers, officially known as JOY Makers, will support the third stage of the men's race on Sunday 4th July 2027, which starts in Welshpool and passes through iconic landscapes, scenic valleys and bustling town centres before finishing in Cardiff.

Applications close on Tuesday 1st September 2026. Anyone aged 16 and over can apply, with no prior experience necessary as full training will be provided.

Volunteers aged 18 to 25 will also be eligible for the Readiness to Work scheme, offering employability skills training and career-focused mentoring.

So far, around 1,250 volunteers have registered interest across Wales. Organisers are keen to encourage more applications from people within easy reach of the route, with each volunteer contributing to putting their community on the map, as well as supporting the tour.

This week, members of the public will have a chance to see the official Grand Départ Trophy in person when it visits the Caerphilly Cheese Festival on Saturday 29th August, as part of its UK-wide tour.

Cabinet Minister for Culture and Sport, Heledd Fychan, said:

The Tour de France arriving in Wales is a truly rare opportunity. It's our moment to build on Geraint Thomas's legacy, encourage a new generation to take up cycling, and showcase the best that Wales has to offer.

By volunteering, you'll help Wales extend its distinctive 'Croeso' to the world, all while playing a part in a landmark event, forging new connections, celebrating your local community, and gaining skills that will benefit your career.

No matter whether you're an experienced volunteer or brand new to it, there's a place for everyone. I'd encourage anyone keen to get involved to represent their community as part of the Grand Départs.

The Welsh Government is working with the Wales Council for Voluntary Action (WCVA) to ensure that volunteering for the Tour can open doors to further opportunities across Wales.

Matt Brown, Deputy Chief Executive of the Wales Council for Voluntary Action, said:

Volunteers will play a central role in bringing the Tour de France to Wales in 2027. We're thrilled to be working alongside the Welsh Government on the Tour de France to create a lasting volunteering legacy that strengthens communities right across Wales for years to come.

Those interested in volunteering, search ‘JOY makers’ before the Tuesday 1st September deadline.