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The WRC Circus Comes To Conwy

Topics: Wales Rally GB

The WRC Circus Comes To Conwy

Geoff Maxted
DriveWrite
October 27, 2013

The North Wales resorts of Conwy and Llandudno are gearing up to host spectacular welcome parties when the new-look Wales Rally GB comes to town next month (14-17 November).

Thursday evening’s Ceremonial Start to the final round of the 2013 FIA World Rally Championship will be staged against the historic backdrop of Conwy Castle while the busy Mostyn Street in Llandudno will witness the Sunday afternoon’s Ceremonial Finish. With free access available to all, both dazzling showpieces are expected to draw huge crowds.

Indeed spectators in the region will be given many great opportunities to see the cars and meet the stars. All those competing in the WRC event will be parking up on the road in front of the Promenade in Llandudno on Thursday afternoon and fans will able to join their heroes during the ever-popular Autograph Session, which will take place in Venue Cymru between 5.15pm and 5.45pm.

The Ceremonial Start that follows on Conwy Quay at 6.30pm will be full of drama with searchlights, flames and lasers illuminating the night sky while Conwy Castle’s medieval fortifications will be transformed by some amazing digitally-created visuals. Great viewing will also be available from Castle and High Streets.

Adding to the sense of occasion, the Great Orme that overlooks both Conwy and Llandudno – and witnesses the rally’s final competitive stage on Sunday – will be floodlit for the duration of the world championship event.

For the crews that successfully complete the notoriously gruelling event, the Finishing Ceremony from 1.00pm on Sunday promises to be equally theatrical with urban drummers and fire-breathers entertaining the crowds on Llandudno’s main shopping street, which will be closed to through traffic.

Cllr Graham Rees, Conwy Cabinet Member said: “I’m delighted to welcome Wales Rally GB to Conwy County Borough, we’re very pleased that Llandudno and Conwy have been selected to host the ceremonial start and the finishing ceremony.

“Motor sport is very popular and can attract considerable economic benefits to an area. During the 2011 rally, I met supporters and spectators from all over the world, many had come to stay in the area for a number of nights, bringing a huge boost for tourism and our local economy.”

While all the official activities in Conwy and Llandudno are absolutely free for everyone to attend, those wanting to see some of the world’s best drivers in thrilling action can take advantage of a completely revised ticketing offer. Adult admittance to individual forest stages and the Great Orme has been reduced to just £15 (Terms and conditions may apply) and the ‘Kids for a Quid’ scheme provides those aged between 9-15 years old with a four-day ticket with access to all 22 timed stages for just £1*. Full information on tickets can be found on the Wales Rally GB website at: www.walesrallygb.com.