More accustomed to hosting medieval banquets, state room tours and woodland walks, Chirk Castle will welcome more than 150 flame-spitting rally cars later this month as one of the leading family-friendly attractions at Wales Rally GB (November 12-15).
The Chirk Castle RallyFest stage on Saturday, November 14 is sure to be one of the weekend’s standout events – a high-octane feast of spectacular rallying thrills and fun for all ages. What’s more, located in the Welsh Marches close to Wrexham and the A5, the historic venue is easily accessible.
The action begins at 9.30am, as competitors in the Network Q WRGB National Rally pitch up for a flat-out blast around the slippery parkland roads surrounding the magnificent medieval fortification, before the FIA World Rally Championship stars speed into sight in the afternoon.
In-between, fans will be kept entertained by a variety of parades and displays featuring exotic supercars, iconic ‘Slowly Sideways’ rally cars from years gone by, awe-inspiring Supermoto races and a jaw-dropping stunt show from 22-time Guinness World Record-holder Terry Grant – providing a full, action-packed day in the castle’s leafy grounds. Weather permitting, the spectacular Red Bull Matadors will also be putting on a dazzling air show.
What’s more, enhanced facilities include live rally coverage on a big screen, commentary, food outlets and funfair rides for the young and young-at-heart – meaning the full rally atmosphere can be enjoyed without having to set foot outside the castle boundaries.
“RallyFest is the perfect location for fans who are new to this exciting sport and an excellent-value, family-oriented day out for everyone,” said Ben Taylor, managing director of Wales Rally GB.
“Chirk Castle is a stunning backdrop to a fantastic day of epic entertainment and we have a full day of thrilling action on offer that will be a treat for seasoned motor sport aficionados, curious observers and families looking for a fun day out.”
Deputy Minister for Culture, Sport and Tourism, Ken Skates, said: “Widening the appeal of the Wales Rally GB has always been a priority for the Welsh Government and the RallyFests are a perfect way of getting the whole family involved for a spectacular day out full of things to see and do. Some of the fans may not have thought of visiting somewhere like Chirk Castle before and therefore the event will also widen the appeal of our heritage attractions.”
Advance tickets have been held at last year's prices, with adults admitted to the RallyFest at Chirk Castle for just £25 and children only £1 (aged nine to 15 inclusive; eight-year-olds and under admitted free). There is also a special family offer for two adults and three children costing £45, with each additional child an extra £1. Every adult RallyFest ticket includes a free programme worth £9. On the day, adult tickets will cost £30 with child tickets charged at £1 – the family ticket offer is only available in advance.
To avoid traffic congestion, a one-way system will operate into and out of Chirk Castle on Saturday, November 14. The road leading to the car park will be closed at the A5 turn from 2pm, before the direction of travel is reversed to one-way only for exiting. It will not be possible to join the car park entrance route after 2pm. Please approach only from the A5 two miles north of Chirk town and not through Chirk itself as all minor roads will be closed.
Chirk Castle RallyFest Timetable, Saturday, November 14:
08:00 Car parks open
09:43-11.20 Network Q WRGB National Rally
11:45-12:00 Supercars
12:05 Slowly Sideways historic rally cars
12:25-13:45 Supermoto displays and Terry Grant stunt driving displays (3 each)
14:15-14:30 Red Bull Matadors air show (weather permitting)
14:31-16:00 FIA World Rally Championship
For further updates, follow Wales Rally GB on Twitter @WalesRallyGB or join the conversations on Facebook at www.facebook.com/walesrallygb
[Ends]
Editor's Notes
About Wales Rally GB:
Since its inception in 1932, the International Rally of Great Britain has been run 70 times. Enforced stoppages have included World War 2, Suez Crisis (1957) and Foot and Mouth (1967). It is one of only two events (along with Finland) to have retained its status as both a qualifying and scoring round of the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC) since the championship was established in 1973.
Wales Rally GB is the 13th and final round of this year’s WRC and is organised and promoted by International Motor Sports Ltd (IMS), the commercial arm of the Motor Sports Association, the governing body of UK motor sport. Branded as Wales Rally GB since 2003 when the Welsh Government became the principal funding partner, the rally is based out of a central Service Park in Deeside with competitive stages throughout north and mid Wales. It was awarded the Best Event (Large) accolade at the National Tourism Awards for Wales 2015.
No comments:
Post a Comment