The high-octane thrills of World Championship rallying are returning to England later this month when Cholmondeley Castle in Cheshire hosts its second not-to-be-missed RallyFest on Saturday 28 October.
The fun-fuelled Toyota-backed RallyFest is designed to appeal to new rally fans as well as those attending with children, who will benefit from easier access and more facilities than the traditional forest stages.
Last year’s inaugural event at Cholmondeley Castle marked the first time since 1999 that top-class WRC action had ventured outside of Wales, and it proved to be an immediate success. The result of staging what is one of the most spectacular motor sport attractions on the planet closer to cities such as Birmingham, Liverpool, Stoke and Manchester resulted in 10,000 fans flocking to the well-known stately home venue to the west of Nantwich.
Indeed, it proved so popular that organisers are expecting an even bigger crowd at the end of this month and thus have implemented a raft of upgrades including a new traffic management system, more catering outlets plus a revised timetable and a host of additional entertainment and activties.
The stunning World Championship cars and stars arrive in the afternoon for an electrifying blast around the Castle’s parkland roads, with their presence providing an awesome climax to a full day of epic entertainment for all ages – a real bonus for those with children on half-term. In total, more than eight hours of compelling attractions and activities are promised.
On-track highlights will include dramatic demos from 50 historic and legendary Group B rally cars, a supercar cavalcade featuring Ferraris, McLarens and Porsches plus rubber-burning antics from SuperMoto bikes.
Visitors will also be wowed by BMX stunt shows from Lee Musselwhite and his high-flying ‘Bike Battle’ team, while Red Bull will host its own Street Fighter Fan Zone with three Street Fighter consoles to keep gamers amused.
Younger visitors will also be treated to a host of the interactive activities being provided totally FREE of charge by Dayinsure, the event’s title partner.
The Dayinsure Family Fun Zone will include an 18ft climbing wall, a caving tunnel, human hamster balls, bungee runs, Segways, an inflatable obstacle course, penalty shoot-outs and giant garden games.
Other notable RallyFest attractions include: appearances by Welsh Rally Legends; autograph and selfie sessions with today’s WRC stars; big screen coverage; live commentary; a catering village; trade stalls; car club displays; a face-painter; mini tanks and funfair rides.
There will also be a wonderful opportunity to take a memorable passenger ride in a number of eye-catching classic and sports cars provided by the Sporting Bears Motor Club. These will be raising funds for Ty Gobaith, event’s official charity and the only children’s hospice in north Wales.
“We’ve done more than ever to make this a fantastic family-friendly event,” enthused Ben Taylor, managing director of Dayinsure Wales Rally GB. “I can’t think of a better way to round off the half-term week than to give the family a brilliant day of fun before watching the best cars and drivers in the world in one of Cheshire’s most beautiful settings.”
Furthering the RallyFest appeal, as a half-term bonus, all accompanied children aged 15 and under will be admitted FREE while adult tickets cost just £23 (including a glossy programme priced at £9) when purchased in advance, or £30 on the gate.
Full details of 2017 Dayinsure Wales Rally GB and the Toyota RallyFest at Cholmondeley Castle can be found on the official www.walesrallygb.com website.
Toyota RallyFest at Cholmondeley Castle
Saturday 28 October
09:00 Gates Open
09:20-09:55 Historic Rally Cars Demo Runs
09:30-10:00 BMX Bike Battle Stunt Display 1
10:00-10:15 SuperMoto On-Track Display
10:00-15:00 Sporting Bears Passenger Rides
11:00-12:30 WRGB National Rally Special Stage
12:30-13:00 BMX Bike Battle Stunt Display 2
12:30 -12:45 Supercar Parade
12:45-13:00 SuperMoto On-Track Display
13:05-14:15 Historic Rally Cars Demo Runs
13:45-14:15 BMX Bike Battle Stunt Display 3
15:00-15:30 BMX Bike Battle Stunt Display 4
15:00-15:35 WRC Autograph Session
15:45-17:30 Dayinsure Wales Rally GB Special Stage
16:00 No Further Access to Event*
18:00 Venue Closes
*One-way system to provide swift egress for those leaving the venue
