No bull – big event is back!

 

Hundreds of competitors and crew will be in the area along with thousands of rally fans filling pubs, B&Bs and restaurants in a similar way as last year when their visit collectively pumped thousands of pounds into the local economy.

 

And the town is pulling out all the stops to put on a show to remember with the town centre partially closed for a ceremonial start that will throw the national motorsporting spotlight over Welshpool on March 23. And Sky’s cameras will be there to send the event to millions of homes.

 

The Town Council hosts a Civic Reception in the Tourist Information Centre between 5-5.45pm for invited guests and dignitaries, while the general public can grab autographs and photos with the drivers and teams at the bottom end of Church Street Car Park.

 

An informal evening of entertainment will follow, including a bungee trampoline, bouncy castle and musical entertainment as well as stalls and displays from 6.00-8.00pm, all creating a fun atmosphere leading up to the Bulldog Rally itself.

 

The International Rally ceremonial start will be flagged off by the Mayor of Welshpool at 6pm, followed by two laps of the Dyfnant Forest to whet the appetite. The rally restarts from the Livestock Market on Saturday, March 24 at 8.30am.

 

Stalls can be booked now for just £5 so contact the Town Clerk’s Office on 01938 553142.

 

Highlights of the rally will be broadcast on Sky Sports 2 - normally on the Monday immediately following the event - and on YouTube.

 

The ‘Bulldog’ Rally – which is round two of the British Rally Championship (BRC) - also incorporates an event for Historic rally cars, round two of the Kololi Beach Club MSA British Historic Rally Championship; and two other rallies which qualify for the Pirelli Welsh National Rally Championship and the BRC Challenge.