ENGLAND’S Strongest Man title holder, Lee Osment, who comes from Warminster, is to officially open this year’s Warminster Wobble cycling festival.

He will be performing a strong man lift of a car at 11am as part of the opening ceremony to get the festival under way.

The Warminster Wobble is 11 years old this year and the annual bike festival is taking place on Saturday and Sunday, June 15 and 16 from 11am to 4pm during National Bike Week and now has a large following in the area.

The largest cycling festival in Wiltshire, it has consistently provided two days of entertainment and local cycle rides for the 150-plus cyclists who take part.

Based in the newly-refurbished Warminster Town Park, it offers on day one a host of activities for all ages.

Organiser Colin French said: “We are hoping to grow and improve the Warminster Wobble. Every year we try to add new features.

“The Turbo Challenge is always popular, and there are plenty of different-powered whacky bikes for the kids to try out.

“The stunt team displays, bike-powered spin art and mega climbing wall are all free of charge and funded by Warminster Town Council.

“Also on the Saturday there is a Gravel Challenge bike ride. Starting and finishing in the town park, entrants will be completing a 30-mile off-road self-navigating bike challenge around the local chalk hills.”

Sunday offers guided cycle rides, on and off road, on several different routes for cyclists of different abilities.

Mr French added: “There will be gentle family rides and guided mountain bike rides on some of the best single-track in the area, plus a 40 mile road ride in the beautiful Wiltshire countryside.

“There will also be a sponsored ride in aid of Thai elephants. The 25-mile route is fully supported and easy, going along the Wylye valley to Langford Lakes where refreshments will be available.”

To sign up on this easy ride and support a worthwhile charity, go to https://www.evensi.uk/warminster-wobble-town-park/288061620

Food is available on site plus all the usual attractions the town park has to offer.

Full details are on the Warminster Wobble Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/groups/128008027323195/. There is a small registration fee of £6 for cyclists.