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Everything you need to know about nabbing tickets to the opening ceremony of next year’s Grand Départ

Tour de France fans will already be well aware that next year’s Grand Départ kicks off in Scotland. The world’s biggest bike race will trace a route from the Scottish capital down to Carlisle, Keswick and Liverpool before crossing a second border into Wales, from Welshpool to Cardiff. Despite having sped through Britain in 1974, 1994, 2007 and most recently in 2014, next year will be momentous for the two-wheeled race because it’ll be the first time it crosses into Scotland.
To celebrate, the Tour De France organisers have just announced plans for the opening ceremony, which will take place at Edinburgh’s historic castle. Think bagpipes, drums, and a marching troupe of hundreds from the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo performing for the crowds, with new music created specially for the occasion.
If this sounds right up your street, then have no fear, because we come bearing all the details for nabbing tickets so you can secure your spot at Castle Rock.
General sale of tickets begins at midday on Friday October 30. However, there are a few different ways to access pre-sale options from this week. Fans who subscribe to the official newsletter for next year’s Grands Départs will have exclusive access to a pre-sale window from midday on Friday October 23. We recommend being speedy to sign up, though, because you’ll only be eligible if you sign up before Friday morning.
Members of British Cycling, Scottish Cycling and Beicio Cymru will also have access to a pre-sale window starting from midday on Saturday October 24. Plus, customers of The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo will be granted access to pre-sale tickets from midday on Monday October 26. All pre-sale windows will close at midnight on Wednesday October 28, so grab 'em quick.
Around 9,000 tickets are expected to go on sale, with prices for a spot at the ceremony starting at £27. The event will take place on Wednesday June 30 2027 from 6.30pm.
You can sign up for pre-sale access via the Tour de France website here.
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