Trade Stand Applications Open for the Hills Ford Stages Rally Festival at Weston Park
The organisers of the Hills Ford Stages Rally are inviting local businesses, independent traders and motorsport businesses to become part of an exciting new Rally Festival at Weston Park this September.
More than just a rally, the festival will combine thrilling motorsport with local businesses, education, road safety, family attractions and community engagement, creating a fantastic day out for visitors of all ages.
Taking place on Saturday 19 September, the Rally Festival will accompany the opening day of the Hills Ford Stages Rally, transforming Weston Park into a vibrant destination where spectators can enjoy spectacular rally action alongside a wide range of attractions.
The Rally Festival is about much more than motorsport. Alongside the afternoon stages, visitors will be able to browse trade stands, enjoy food and refreshments, explore local businesses, discover the rally’s PATHWAYS education zone highlighting careers within motorsport, and visit DriveWise – our road safety initiative designed to inspire safer, more responsible driving on today’s roads.
Local retailers, crafts, vehicle specialists, motorsport suppliers, charities and community organisations are all encouraged to apply for a trade stand and become part of the event from its very first year in Shropshire.
As this marks the rally’s first year in its new home, the organising team sees 2026 as the beginning of something much bigger.
Rather than focusing on commercial pitch fees, the aim is to create a welcoming festival that benefits exhibitors, visitors and the local community alike.
Trade stand pitches are available for a nominal contribution to reserve a space, making it an affordable opportunity for businesses of all sizes to showcase what they do while helping build a brand-new community event.
Steve, Media Officer for the Hills Ford Stages Rally, said:
“We’re building this together. Our aim isn’t to maximise pitch fees – it’s to create an event that local businesses are proud to be part of from the very beginning. It’s about giving back and building something for the local communities of Shropshire, not creating a new commercial venture.”
“We want Weston Park to become much more than a place to watch rally cars. Our vision is to create a fantastic day out where families, rally fans and visitors can find out about motorsport and how to get involved, discover local businesses, browse motorsport trade stands and experience one of Britain’s most exciting forms of motorsport.”
As a not-for-profit event, the organisers are committed to ensuring every contribution helps strengthen the rally and the community around it.
This year, every contribution will go directly towards a special thank-you prize draw for the volunteer marshals and officials whose dedication makes the event possible.
Looking ahead, all future proceeds from the Rally Festival will be reinvested into the rally to develop and grow the event, enhancing the visitor experience, supporting volunteers and helping establish the Hills Ford Stages Rally Festival as one of Shropshire’s premier annual events.
The Clerk of the Course, said:
“Without our marshals and officials there simply wouldn’t be a rally. They are the first to arrive, the last to leave, and they give up their weekends to help deliver a safe, enjoyable event for everyone. If we can recognise that commitment while inviting local businesses to become part of our first Rally Festival at Weston Park, then that’s something we’re incredibly proud to do.”
“This event has always been about bringing people together, and that’s exactly what we’re trying to achieve with the Rally show. We hope businesses, families and motorsport fans will join us in helping create something that can grow into one of Shropshire’s great annual events.”
Trade stand spaces are limited, and businesses interested in exhibiting are encouraged to register their interest as early as possible.
Whether you’re a local artisan, retailer, charity, classic car specialist, rally supplier or simply a business looking to reach a new audience, we’d love to welcome you to Weston Park and help build something special together.
**Please note: We have an exclusive supplier of food for the event, so we may not be able to help in this area.
Trade Stand Enquiries
media@hillsfordstages.co.uk
Join us as we build what we hope will become one of Shropshire’s great annual motorsport festivals.
- Published in Latest News
Supplementary Regulations Released at 10am on Tuesday 7 July for 2026 Hills Ford Stages Rally
Supplementary Regulations Released at 10am on Tuesday 7 July for 2026 Hills Ford Stages Rally
The Supplementary Regulations for the 2026 Hills Ford Stages Rally will be published at 10am on Tuesday 7 July.
Taking place across Shropshire on 19–20 September, this year’s event marks an exciting new chapter for the rally, beginning with a ceremonial start in Shrewsbury before Saturday afternoon action at Weston Park and a full day of closed-road competition on Sunday.
Saturday’s itinerary will feature a collection of stages at Weston Park — an iconic former RAC Rally venue — before crews tackle five closed-road stages, each run twice, across the south of Shrewsbury on Sunday.
Interested competitors are encouraged to read the regulations carefully before submitting an entry. The Supplementary Regulations will be found on our website, this Facebook page, the Cheltenham Motor Club website and at rallies.info.
The 2026 Hills Ford Stages Rally is proud to host the final round of the Protyre Motorsport UK Asphalt Rally Championship, with four championship having double-headers at the rally, with season-ending rounds adding further significance to the weekend
- Published in Latest News
local-businesses-backing-hills-ford-stages-rally
One of the most encouraging aspects of the Hills Ford Stages Rally has been the incredible support we’ve received from businesses and organisations across the region.
From long-standing supporters to companies joining us for the first time, local businesses have stepped forward because they recognise the value the event can bring—not only as a major motorsport event, but as a platform for community engagement, education, tourism and regional promotion.
Companies such as Cartwrights Waste Disposal Services, Thomas Panels & Profiles, Lacey & Owen Architects, Cherry Rock, R.A. Swann Ltd, MAR Motorsport, Silverstone Rally School, Get Connected and, of course, our title sponsor Hills Ford, have all played a part in helping make this year’s event possible, with more businesses joining us all the time.
Some of these partnerships are relatively new, including the support of Cartwrights Waste Disposal Services and Thomas Panels & Profiles, and we look forward to sharing more about the organisations behind the event and the role they are playing in helping deliver the rally over the coming weeks. We’re also delighted to be welcoming additional supporters to the event, with further partnership announcements planned soon.
We’re equally grateful to our education partners, including Shrewsbury Colleges Group, Harper Adams University’s Rallying the Wright Way programme, the University of Gloucestershire’s Sport Journalism Department and Motorsport Jobs. Together, they share our vision of using the rally to inspire young people, promote careers in motorsport, media and engineering, and create opportunities that extend far beyond the rally weekend itself.
What makes this support particularly special is that many of these organisations are involved not because of immediate commercial return, but because they believe in what the event can achieve for the wider community. They understand the value of creating opportunities, supporting volunteers, promoting the region and inspiring the next generation.
The Hills Ford Stages is organised by volunteers, supported by volunteers and increasingly championed by businesses, education providers and community partners who share a common vision of delivering something that benefits the wider region.
Every sponsor and partner, regardless of size, is helping us deliver more than a rally. They are helping create opportunities, experiences and lasting memories while supporting community projects, educational initiatives, road safety programmes and grassroots motorsport.
To every business, organisation and educational institution that has supported us this year—thank you. Your belief in the event means far more than a logo on a programme or a banner on a stage. You are helping create something that will continue to benefit local communities long after the rally cars have gone home.
Please support the businesses and organisations that support your rally.
HillsFordStages #SupportingLocalBusiness #CommunityPartnerships #Shropshire
- Published in Latest News
Building Local Partnerships Ahead of Hills Ford Stages 2026″
The organising team of The Hills Ford Stages is inviting hotels, B&Bs, Self Catering, pubs, restaurants and other hospitality providers across Shropshire to get in touch ahead of this year’s event on 19–20 September 2026.
The rally weekend is expected to bring thousands of competitors, officials, media crews and spectators into the county, many of whom will be travelling from outside the region or from overseas. As a result, there will be significant demand for local accommodation, food and drink throughout the event.
To support local businesses and help visitors find the services they need, we will be producing a free Rally Guide for all accredited teams, officials and partners. Any hospitality business that contacts us will have their details included at no cost.
This is an excellent opportunity to showcase Shropshire’s warm welcome.
The organisers said:
“One of the great strengths of the Hills Ford Stages is the opportunity it provides to showcase everything that Shropshire has to offer. Many visitors will be spending several days in the county, and we’d encourage local accommodation providers, pubs, restaurants and hospitality businesses to get in touch so that we can help direct visitors their way.
This initiative forms part of the rally’s wider Get Involved and PATHWAYS programmes, connecting local businesses and communities with opportunities linked to the event. Further initiatives will be announced over the coming weeks
Hospitality providers wishing to be included should contact the organising team via secretary@hillsfordstages.co.uk
- Published in Latest News
Hills Ford Stages Rally Invites Local Community Groups to Apply for Support Ahead of 2026 Event
Community groups, charities and parish councils across areas hosting the 2026 Hills Ford Stages Rally are being encouraged to get in touch with organisers to explore opportunities for support, fundraising and charitable donations.
Now the initial consultation and introductory period with residents and businesses has been completed, organisers would like to remind local communities that the engagement and support opportunities remain an important part of the event’s ongoing commitment to the region.
One of the key ways the rally supports local communities is through spectator area fundraising. Safe spectator locations are delivered in line with Motorsport UK requirements, with local groups given the opportunity to operate spectator car parks. Parking income generated at these sites is returned directly to local community groups, helping fund local projects and initiatives.
As in previous years, we would like to invite Parish councils, charities, sports clubs and community organisations to come forward to discuss how they may benefit from support linked to the 2026 event.
Event Media Officer Steve said:
“Now that the consultation period is finished, we are able to let the community know, that these opportunities exist and that we’re here to have those conversations. The rally brings real benefits to the region, and we want to make sure those are shared as widely as possible.”
Clerk of the Course Dan added:
“As a not-for-profit event, giving back to the communities that support us is really important. We would encourage any parish or community group with a project or initiative to get in touch and speak to us about what might be possible.”
Further details will be shared through parish councils and the rally’s official communication channels.
For further information, please contact the Communities & Business Liaison team: info@hillsfordstages.co.uk
- Published in Latest News
Shropshire Council Approves 2026 Hills Ford Stages Rally
The organising team of The Hills Ford Stages welcomes yesterday’s decision by Shropshire Council’s Cabinet to grant the necessary Motor Race Order and Temporary Traffic Regulation Orders (TTROs) required for the 2026 event to proceed.
We extend our sincere thanks to the Cabinet for taking a balanced, democratic approach that carefully considered all perspectives throughout the process.
We would also like to express our heartfelt gratitude to the many residents, communities and motorsport supporters who have shown unwavering encouragement over recent weeks. Your messages, comments and public support have been invaluable.
We will continue to work with those who have raised concerns or objections regarding the event and seek suitable mitigation measures where possible and proportionate.
Our focus now turns to delivering an event that Shropshire can be proud of – a top-class closed-road rally that showcases the sport at its best while bringing meaningful benefits and opportunities to the local communities who host and support it.
We invite everyone to follow our official channels as we move into the next phase of planning. We have plenty of exciting updates to share via our website and Facebook page as we continue building the next chapter of The Hills Ford Stages.
- Published in Latest News, Uncategorised
Damian Cole & Get Connected Backs 2026 Hills Ford Stages
Damian Cole is one of the most successful and respected competitors in UK asphalt rallying.
Over three decades, the South Wales driver has been at the forefront of the sport in a range of state-of-the-art rally cars and has kept fellow competitors on their toes and fans thoroughly entertained.
As he marks 30 years of rallying, Damian can reflect on success in Darrians, Mitsubishis, Toyotas, Subarus, Hyundais, Skodas, a raft of Fords and, more recently, his Citroen C3 Rally2, which is prepared almost within sight of some of the roads set to be used on the Hills Ford Stages.
Cole has battled with some of the best rising stars in the sport and is a record-setting (5 consecutive years) six-time winner of the Motorsport UK Asphalt Rally Championship, the headline championship for the Hills Ford Stages. He still loves his rallying!
As well as being a great competitor, Damian is a long time ambassador for rallying. He’s worked hard to advance safety issues for competitors and has contributed significantly to a number of events through sponsorship from his Get Connected business. He’s recently become title sponsor of the Mewla Rally on Epynt, which he will acknowledge is his favourite venue.
The Hills Ford Stages just missed out on capturing him as a major sponsor for this year’s rally. However, Damian approached the HFS management team at the end of 2025 to discuss offering support for this year’s event. That’s a huge compliment to the team, as Damian has a great eye for detail and is an astute businessman. So, to be approached by him with the offer of support gives great recognition to the work that the team has put in over the years.
“We’re thrilled to have the support of Damian and Get Connected as a Stage Sponsor for 2026,” said Clerk of the Course, Dan, “Damian’s passion for the sport, both as a competitor and as a supporter, mirrors the values we build into every aspect of this event. We look forward to working closely with him and the Get Connected team in the months ahead.”
We’re currently discussing lots of ideas with Damian for Get Connected’s engagement with the Hills Ford Stages, and we look forward to updating you soon about the support and the work we will be doing with Get Connected through the year.
Don’t forget that Get Connected has mobile phone stores across Wales, The Midlands and the South West, including several in the rally’s home county of Shropshire.
==========
• Damian Cole is a highly respected figure in UK rallying, combining a long and successful competition career with more than three decades of business leadership. • In 1992, Damian founded Oasis Mobile Phones from his spare bedroom. The business was rebranded as Get Connected in 2001 and has since grown into one of the UK’s leading independent mobile phone retailers. • Under Damian’s leadership, Get Connected expanded from a home-based operation to a nationwide business, operating multiple high street stores alongside a dedicated call centre in Blackwood and a corporate sales team based in Abergavenny. • Get Connected works with all major UK mobile network providers, supporting both consumer and corporate customers across Wales and England. • Damian and Get Connected have a long-standing involvement in motorsport, including the sponsorship of Damian Cole and his co-drivers, as well as support for events that generate investment, tourism and wider visibility for regional communities.
HAVE A LOOK AT THEIR SOCIAL MEDIA:
• Getconnected.com
• LinkedIn
• Facebook- Published in Latest News
When Rally Touches Local People
The Hills Ford Stages Rally is back, and Shrewsbury-based Lacey & Owen Architectural Services are joining as a sponsor, helping engage the local community.
One of the most rewarding parts of organising the Hills Ford Stages Rally is when the event reaches beyond motorsport and connects with local people. That’s exactly what happened when Shrewsbury-based Lacey & Owen Architectural Services reached out, becoming one of the latest sponsors for 2026.
Managing Director Mark Owen first contacted the team towards the end of 2025, shortly after news of the rally’s move into Shropshire. The call came completely out of the blue, and those are the conversations that really matter. When a locally rooted, non-motorsport business reaches out simply because they share a passion for the rally, it means a great deal to the organisers.
Mark’s enthusiasm aligns perfectly with the team’s ambition to build meaningful engagement with the people and businesses of Shrewsbury and the wider county. As the event grows, support like this plays a vital role in shaping how the rally connects with its host communities and benefits the region.
The organisers are now working with Lacey & Owen to explore how their support can best fit within the rally’s wider outreach — whether that’s backing the Pathways and Get Involved programmes with local colleges and universities, or potentially sponsoring a stage. With so much happening behind the scenes, and Mark fully focused on running his practice, the team felt now was the right time to officially welcome them on board.
Mark Said. “Rallying has always been a sport that I follow closely, I love the idea of rallying and the energy it brings. When I heard the news that the Hills Ford Stages where relocating to Shropshire it felt like a fantastic way to get involved in the event, and help provide a spectacle for the community I live and work in.”
Lacey & Owen are proudly based in the heart of Shrewsbury town centre, reinforcing the rally’s growing local footprint.
HAVE A LOOK AT THEIR SOCIAL MEDIA:
• Laceyandowen.co.uk
• Instagram
• Facebook
About Lacey & Owen Architectural Services
Founded in 2010 by Stuart Lacey and Mark Owen (BSc Hons, MCIAT), Lacey & Owen Architectural Services Ltd is a chartered practice delivering creative, cost-effective design solutions across residential, commercial and industrial sectors. Following Stuart’s retirement in 2019, Mark now leads the practice as sole director, supported by a skilled and experienced team.
The practice focuses on adding real value for clients through modern, affordable design and construction methods, while maintaining the highest professional standards as chartered members of the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists (CIAT). Specialising in planning and building control application, Lacey & Owen work with private individuals, construction companies and other architects, to provide high quality designs and sensible advice for your construction project.
With offices in Shropshire and Derbyshire, the practice delivers projects nationwide, from one-off self-build homes and extensions to housing developments, community buildings, and commercial units, offering an accessible, holistic service tailored to each client’s brief.
- Published in Latest News
Hills Ford Stages Rally 2026 – Sponsors & Motorsport Support
Returning Sponsors Back the Hills Ford Stages for 2026
The Hills Ford Stages is proud to confirm the continued support of several long-standing partners as we look ahead to the 2026 event. These returning sponsors have been with us throughout the rally’s journey and continue to play a vital role behind the scenes, helping us give more back to competitors, volunteers, and the wider community.
For the Hills Ford Stages, sponsorship has never been just about branding. It’s about partnerships, shared values, and supporting those who back us to deliver a a real impact for all — both on and off the stages.
M.A.R Motorsport “We are delighted to continue our involvement with the Hills Ford Stages. Motorsport is at the heart of what we do, and the team’s professionalism and relationship management has been second to none. Supporting events like this helps drive the passion and excitement of rallying forward.”
R.A. Swann
Returning once again as a key supporter of the rally, bringing with them a deep connection to motorsport. Managing Director Rob Swann competes internationally, and that passion for rallying has translated into meaningful support for the event. As both sponsors and competitors, they understand what makes a rally work.
Cherry Rock A familiar name to the rally, Geoff Phelps of Cherry Rock has been a quiet but crucial supporter for many years. A respected competitor and a great friend to the team, Geoff knows first-hand what it takes to both run and compete on these roads. We hope to see him back out on the stages again in the future.
Clerk of the Course Dan said: “It’s great to have sponsors who support the event for a variety of reasons — whether that’s because they compete themselves, want to give back to a local event, or see real value in building long-term partnerships. Our returning sponsors are a huge part of what allows us to keep improving the rally year on year.”
As preparations continue for 2026, the Hills Ford Stages team would like to thank all returning partners and our friends for their trust and continued support.
And there’s more to come — we’re busy finalising several additional sponsors and partners and can’t wait to share those announcements with you soon.
- Published in Uncategorised
Eight Championships Confirmed for Hills Ford Stages 2026
The Hills Ford Stages continues to attract strong national and regional backing, with eight championships confirming their support for the 2026 event.
The breadth of championships reflects both the confidence placed in the rally and its appeal across a wide range of competitors, from modern national contenders to historic and club-level entries.
Among those confirmed is the Protyre Motorsport UK National Asphalt Championship, which will once again see the Hills Ford Stages play a key role in the title fight.
Paul Wakely, Protyre Motorsport UK Asphalt Rally Championship Co-ordinator, said:
“We’re greatly looking forward to this year’s Hills Ford Stages, as it will bring a wonderful new challenge for competitors and a fitting finale to the Protyre Asphalt Rally Championship. It has always been an extremely popular event with our contenders, and with titles up for grabs it’s guaranteed to be an exciting championship showdown.”
Historic competitors will also be well represented, with the HRCR Stage Masters Championship, Roger Albert Clark Historic Asphalt Championship, HRCR Mini Cup, and HRCR Category 1 Championship all confirmed.
From the HRCR Stage Masters perspective, organisers commented:
“We are so pleased that the Hills Ford Stages is back for 2026. Our competitors simply loved it last time — it’s a great challenge while retaining a friendly and welcoming atmosphere.”
The Roger Albert Clark Historic Asphalt Championship will see the Hills Ford Stages host the finale of its inaugural season.
Championship manager Colin Heppenstall said:
“We’re delighted to be finishing the first season of our new historic asphalt championship on the Hills Ford Stages. It looks like being a very successful event and is well placed for lots of competitors. Congratulations to the organising team for rebuilding the rally in a new region — we can’t wait.”
Strong regional championship support comes from the JD Tyres Welsh Tarmac Championship, which will contest the Hills Ford Stages as a double-header event, offering two points-scoring opportunities.
Rob Baldwin, Welsh Association of Motor Clubs Secretary, said:
“Competitors are looking forward to the challenge of a rally set in an area not previously used, with the event forming a double-header and providing two valuable points-scoring opportunities.”
The popular ANWCC Mini Challenge also returns, continuing to provide an accessible route into stage rallying.
Dave V Thomas, Championships Manager, commented:
“ANWCC is pleased and amazed by the enthusiasm from competitors and organisers for the Mini Rally Challenge. It’s an excellent way to get into stage rallying at an affordable level and we see it going from strength to strength.”
Completing the line-up are the TCS Plant Rally Challenge and Celtic Micra Challenge, both welcoming the opportunity to be part of the event.
A spokesperson for the championships said:
“We are delighted to be part of the exciting plans for the 2026 Hills Ford Stages and applaud the forward-thinking approach being taken, recognising the benefits the event will bring to the region.”
Dan, Clerk of the Course for the Hills Ford Stages, said:
“Having eight championships supporting the 2026 event is a real endorsement of the rally’s rebuild. It reflects the confidence competitors and officials have in the event, and we’re focused on delivering a challenging and rewarding rally for everyone involved.
Championships
Protyre MSUK National Asphalt Championship
HRCR Stage Masters Championship
Roger Albert Clark Historic Asphalt Championship
HRCR Mini Cup
HRCR Cat 1 Championship
JD Tyres Welsh Tarmac Championship
ANWCC Mini challenge
TCS Plant Championship and Celtic Micra Challenge
The Hills Ford Stages organising team expects further announcements in due course as preparations for the 2026 event continue.
- Published in Latest News