A major rally event that is returning to the heart of Builth Wells has been hailed as a “fantastic and exciting move”.

The Nicky Grist Stages will move from the Royal Welsh Showground to the town centre with the rally’s start, finish, service area and headquarters all within sight of the main high street.

The rally stages will begin to set up in Builth Wells on Thursday, July 11, with the headquarters based at the Strand Hall and the service area located at Builth Wells RFC. Named after the former rally co-driver champion, the Nicky Grist Stages is an all forest rally held in Mid Wales and is a round of the prestigious national BTRDA Rally Championship.

Celebrating its 60th anniversary this year, organisers Quinton Motor Club predict a large number of visitors to the town.

Neil Cross, clerk of the course, said: “This is a fantastic and exciting move for the event. Crossing the river and bringing the rally to the heart of Builth Wells will showcase the event to the local population and hopefully bring welcome business to the cafes, coffee shops and takeaways. Both the Builth Wells Town Council and Powys County Council have been instrumental in this move and we thank them for all their support and encouragement.”

Jeremy Pugh, Powys County Council Councillor and chairman of Builth Wells RFC, said: “We are delighted to welcome a major sporting event like the Nicky Grist Stages into the centre of Builth Wells. The extra trade it will bring into the town is exactly what the local businesses need, and it will be a fantastic sight for everyone to enjoy.

“The rugby pitch sits on a very large grass area that has previously held a wide variety of family events, and it will easily accommodate more than a 140 service crews and rally cars. We are confident that what we have planned together with Quinton Motor Club will be of maximum benefit and minimum inconvenience to the town.”

Cllr Gwyn Davies, Builth Wells Deputy Mayor, said: “We have a new generation of shopkeepers in the town who will be very keen to welcome the Nicky Grist Stages, and we’re looking forward to making this the start of a long-term relationship with the event.”

  • The Nicky Grist Stages will be held on Saturday, July 13.