OTLEY took on a carnival atmosphere as it basked in sunshine for the Tour de Yorkshire on Saturday.

From the women's race first thing in the morning to the second stage of the men's race mid-afternoon, the town enjoyed mostly beautiful blue skies, in stark contrast to the miserable conditions for the first day of the event.

Thousands turned out to cheer on the women's departure in the morning, with even more taking to the streets for the ceremonial start of the men's section in the afternoon, despite the absence of arguably the main attraction in the field, Sir Bradley Wiggins.

Speaking between the two races, Otley's Bellman, Terry Ford, said: "There were thousands of people here this morning for the ladies race. Certainly, there will be even more this afternoon.

"The men's race is at a more convenient time for most people and it's going to be more popular. Even though Sir Bradley Wiggins isn't in, it I think the crowds are going to be immense."

The town enjoyed a party atmosphere throughout the day, with entertainment and street performers – including Bo Beep and one of her sheep – and the smell of burgers being cooked outdoors.

Live music was provided all day long outside Otley's Woolpack Music Studios, where town councillor Mick Bradley was one of those performing in the Otley Ukulele Orchestra.

He said: "I am very proud of the turnout of Otley people.

"I think it is wonderful we have got a world champion in such a small town and it is lovely to see Lizzie at the front of the peloton. It's fabulous."

Meanwhile, fundraisers were making hay while the sun shone with charities benefitting from the general bonhomie.

Among them were Andy Stokes, David Clarkson and Paul Rawson, who were inviting the public to put their own cycling fitness to the test on a static bike in aid of Sue Ryder. The three men will be part of a five-strong team cycling from London to Paris to raise money for the charity.

They were based outside Chevin Cycles, where business was booming as cycling enthusiasts flooded into the town.

Manager, Craig Kilvington, said: "I was here at quarter to seven and there were already a lot of people in the area. We have had a lot of footfall.

"I think for Otley this is massive. Obviously, it is great for us, but it is great for Otley as well."

The peel of church bells, the sound of French voices in the crowd and the constant stream of cyclists on the unusually quiet roads added to the festivity of the occasion. Pubs and cafes did a roaring trade, with a Tour de Yorkshire brunch being served up in the occasion's honour.

Competing cyclists were given a warm Yorkshire welcome as they rode along Otley's streets to the line up. Flag-waving spectators cheered them on, with people leaning out of nearby windows to get a better view and chants of "Allez, Allez, Allez" filling the air.

Visitors had travelled from all over to be a part of the event.

Roger Munn, from Scarborough, and Deborah Rack, from York, were among those who had made the journey by bike.

Roger said: "I think it is wonderful – the atmosphere is great."

Deborah, who is involved in getting women into cycling in York, stressed the importance of the event.

Tim Mitchell and Rachel Wood had travelled from Saddleworth and were enjoying the day with their children Orla, four, and two-year-old Seth.

Tim, who is a member of Saddleworth Clarion Cycling Club, said: "It is fantastic – it's an amazing continuation of the Tour de France."

And as some of the world's top male cyclists were preparing to set off with applause ringing in their ears Orla, summed up the day from a four-year-old's perspective.

"I liked Bo Beep," she said!