Wednesday 20 May 2026 5:10 pm
| Updated:
Wednesday 20 May 2026 4:16 pm
City of London Nocturne returns next month with a major event in the capital
Britain’s biggest festival might take place in a field in Somerset, but we are proud to be bringing the festival atmosphere to the heart of the capital with the return of the City of London Nocturne.Cycling fans get the chance to see some of the world’s best on two wheels in action, but even if you do not know your chainring from your crank arm, there will be plenty to enjoy for all fans next month.The two-day event runs from Friday 12 June to Saturday 13 June with a full programme of races and activities, including a charity race raising funds for a new children’s cancer ward at Great Ormond Street Hospital.Thanks to the support of the Cheapside Business Alliance, the Nocturne will create a festival atmosphere that showcases the City as a vibrant hospitality location, with an array of bars and restaurants providing exclusive offers and deals for the tens of thousands people joining this year’s event. A highlight will be the Cheapside fan zone popping-up just outside the Royal Exchange on Saturday. The fan zone by Bank Junction will provide an ideal spot for spectators to congregate and watch all the action unfold on the big screen. Based right next to the race course, the zone will allow you to grab a drink and a bite to eat, while enjoying the entertainment. The Nocturne has always been unique, having world-class bike racing, but also appealing to non-cycling fans and all Londoners. To do that, we have plenty of additional fun lined up.City of London Nocturne returnsOn the Saturday, there will be Guinness World Record attempts that are as spectacular as they are entertaining. Neil Laughton is the founder of the Penny Farthing Club and keeps pushing the boundaries of endurance and creativity.With Jeremy Vine on the mic and the Guinness adjudicators on hand, Neil will be attempting to break a number of records including riding the world’s largest penny farthing bicycle and riding the fastest 100m on a unicycle while blindfolded.The attempts will provide a crazy interval between races and a unique photo opportunity for spectators. With the penny farthing being such a quintessentially British bike, we’re making it even more iconic with the backdrop of the Royal Exchange and City skyline.People love the wackiness and that is not even the half of it. There will also be a Brompton race, open to everybody and aimed at commuters, featuring a Le Mans start where competitors run to their folded bike, frantically unfold it and then set off. Similarly, our Voi Bike Challenge is a nod to cycle hire, which is such a key part of London’s mobility. We are well aware of some of the challenges it presents and are using the race as a chance to communicate about responsible riding, with riders having to run to their bikes, unlock them and do five laps of the circuit, but also stop at red lights and finish by crossing the line, parking their bikes and taking a photo.All of this will make the City of London Nocturne an exciting family friendly event that appeals to cyclists and non-cyclists alike, while showcasing the vibrant hospitality and leisure offering of the City of London.For more information go to racenocturne.com
