THIS Bank Holiday weekend the spotlight will be firmly fixed on Yorkshire.

Cycling professionals, including Otley's own Lizzie Armistead and Sir Bradley Wiggins, are putting their pedal power to the test in the Tour de Yorkshire, and showcasing the beauty of God's Own County in the process.

On the tailwind of success generated by the Grand Depart, when the prestigious Tour de France arrived in the region two years ago, the popularity of cycling has exploded.

While spectators will be eager to view the action, there are certainly plenty of events and activities to keep families entertained.

Stilt walkers, street bands and stunt riders are among the attractions as the county celebrates all things cycling.

Today Otley will be alive with activity today as Stage Two gets underway along with the Asda Women's Tour de Yorkshire race.

Street theatres, bands and musicians performing at 'busk stops' around the town are among the attractions to keep spectators entertained.

For the stage finale in Settle, visitors can look forward to circus entertainment, magic shows, and a special Kamishibai performance – a form of traditional storytelling originating in Japan - featuring local tales from the WR Mitchell archive. The Greenfoot Festival Fanzone will also have a big screen and street entertainment, including a bicycle drummer and the New York Brass Band, BMX stunt team, bicycle powered activities, as well as food and drink stalls.

For those venturing to see the seaside finale in Scarborough the Coastival choir will perform outside the Rotunda Museum. A street theatre, vintage band and music stage with Yorkshire Coast College on South Bay will also entertain the crowds.

Staying at the seaside, the perfect retreat for a Bank Holiday day trip or longer stay, a free family fun day themed around this prestigious races also takes place tomorrow at The Moors National Park Centre, Lodge Lane, Danby, Whitby.

Including Big Screen coverage of the race, this fun event includes the circus skills workshop 'Get Cycling' with penny farthings, pedal powered scalextric, soft play area as well as crafts face painting, treasure trail and plenty more for families to participate in and enjoy.

For more information call 01439 772737 or visit northyorkmoors.org.uk

As well as all things cycling, the weekend also marks the Spring Festival and, of course, the traditional May Day celebrations will be in full swing.

More than 150 acts are featured in this weekend's Filey Folk Festival. They will be performing around various venues and streets throughout the seaside town.

Closer to home The Royal Armouries in Leeds is hosting an action packed programme of events this weekend as part of the 400th anniversary of the death of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder and first shogun of the Tokugawa shogunate which virtually ruled Japan from 1600 until1868.

Highlights from the weekend include the thrilling and exciting horse shows 'Riders from the East,' by Atkinson Action Horses, taking place at noon and 3pm today which showcase the early 17th century horseback skills at a time when East and West began to interact.

There will be talks, crafts and demonstrations too exploring the art and traditions associated with the Japanese kimono and visitors can also try their hand at origami.

For more information about the events or to book tickets visit royalarmouries.org.

Celebrating the 'Best of British,' the carnival comes to Ilkley on Monday and includes a dog show, charity stalls, funfair and children's craft tent along with a showstopping parade along The Grove. For more information visit ilkleycarnival.org

And, for those fancying a cruise down the local canal the Safe Anchor Trust charity has organised a canal boat experience along the Calder and Hebble Navigation from Shepley Bridge Marina, Steanard Lane, Mirfield. The open days run from10am until 4pm today, tomorrow and Monday.