THE Cambrian Rally will take place in October this year, after being postponed from its original February date, with organisers hoping it will bring a much-needed boost to the local economy.

The Visit Conwy Cambrian Rally was originally scheduled to be held on 20 February 20, but has been postponed to 30 October, if Covid restrictions are eased to allow it to go ahead.

Confirmation of the new date comes after organisers took the decision before Christmas to reserve a new date to ensure its continued presence in three major championships.

It means the event has secured its position in the British Rally Championship, the British Trials and Rally Drivers Association Championship, and the Welsh Rally Championship, together with the Association of North Western Car Clubs Championship, ensuring that subject to restrictions in place at the time, it could attract entrants from throughout Britain and Europe securing worldwide media coverage.

Last year, Machynlleth driver Osian Pryce made a stunning return to the British Rally Championship to earn a place on the second step of the podium.

But it was local lad Matt Edwards, with Abersoch co-driver Darren Garrod, who sealed the victory.

Even if some Covid restrictions are still in place in October, organisers are confident the event could still go ahead, after a test event late last year organised by four North Wales-based car clubs showed that rallies can be held safely with limited numbers of competitors and officials, and with spectator numbers strictly controlled.

The decision by the organisers, North Wales Car Club, to continue planning the rally, despite the ongoing pandemic, has been welcomed by Conwy County Borough Council.

Cllr Louise Emery, Conwy council’s Cabinet member with responsibility for events, said: “We’re really pleased to continue our support of the Visit Conwy Cambrian Rally. And hope that later on in the year, if it’s safe to do so, they’ll be able to run a successful event.

“More than ever, events like the Cambrian Rally will be an important part of the economic recovery, and provides footage of our wonderful county to be broadcast across the world.”

If permitted to do so, the event will start and finish in Llandudno, with servicing of the cars at Llandrillo College.

Berin Jones, chairman of the resort’s Hospitality Association, said: “Hospitality businesses in the town were delighted to hear the event is planning to run in October, as it has been a vital element of the winter season for many years, and is going to be particularly important this year, as we hope to begin the long recovery from the impact of the pandemic.

“The excellent organising team has worked closely with the hospitality industry in the town over recent years, and we look forward to a continued partnership as this event grows in importance as a key event in the town’s calendar.”