Welshpool area set for timely economic windfall

The Welshpool area is set for a welcome economic boost when it hosts a major national sporting event on the first weekend of April.

 

Over 150 teams are entered from across the UK for the Bulldog International Rally which is the second round of the Dulux Trade MSA British Rally Championship and will also attract thousands of rally fans into the area.

 

Based on economic impact studies carried out for similar events, statisticians calculate that the area will receive an economic fillip in the region of £500,000 taking into account what visitors will spend over the weekend.

 

“These events are fantastic for the hosting town and its surrounding area as a whole,” said Richard Hinton, from the organisers. “Hundreds of people directly involved in the event will all be staying in the area for several days and then you have all the spectators who come from all across the UK to watch. It will be a big occasion for Welshpool and its surrounding towns and villages.”

 

Last month, Newtown hosted an historic rally when bed & breakfasts, pubs and restaurants across Montgomeryshire were full all weekend. Some, including the Oak Inn, Guilsfield, laid on special ‘rally menus’ for guests who spent a collective £250,000 throughout the area. That figure is expected to double for Welshpool.

 

As well as the immediate cash boost, the area will benefit from extensive television coverage that will showcase Welshpool to a nationwide television audience.

 

And the town is certainly getting into the spirit by throwing its weight behind the event.

 

Welshpool Livestock Centre will provide the rally headquarters and the Town Council has arranged a market, fairground and live band for the ceremonial start which will take place in the town centre on Friday, April 1 from 6pm.

 

The competitors will then tackle tough forest stages in Mid and North Wales throughout Saturday, April 2, with a champagne finish back at the Welshpool Livestock Centre just after 7pm.

 

For further information, including the comprehensive 'Rally Guide 1' which contains most information relating to the Bulldog International Rally visit the official website: www.bulldog-rally.co.uk.