Drive-in and watch classic rally cars being put through their paces at Northumberland event

The Lombard Rally Festival will take place on July 3 at Brunton airfield, near Seahouses, with the vintage vehicles then going on display at Bamburgh Castle.

A three-mile route around the airfield will be set out for at least 50 period cars to show their style, six times during the day.

The cars will not be timed, as it is a demonstration not a competition.

Rally stars will be interviewed on stage and there will be a large screen.

Amongst the star drivers at Brunton will be Barry Lee, who started driving rally and autocross cars for Ford in the late 1960s, before moving to be seven time world champion at hot rod racing.

Barry, who helped give Ayrton Senna his break in Formula 1, will also host an ‘Evening with Barry Lee and Friends’.

To maintain social distancing during the event, spectators will gain access through a dedicated entrance to park facing the rally route, in a 5x5m bubble, where they will be encouraged to stay.

Food stalls will take orders and deliver to the bubbles.

At Bamburgh Castle a similar system will be in place, with a large screen again available to relay the panel to spectators outside.

In addition, the live footage will be online.

Should social distancing regulations be relaxed, spectators will be given a closer look at the cars.

Tim Nash, head of the Lombard Rally Bath organising team, said: “This extraordinary event will be a first in the North East of England, bringing a fantastic day out for the petrolhead and family to the region.

"Many of the historic rally cars will be ones not seen in action in the north of England for many years – a huge treat for rally fans, particularly as they will be in one place, no chasing to different venues to catch up with them. Some are now too valuable to be driven in full blown competition.”

Early Bird spectator tickets are on sale for £40 for a car containing up to five people, with entry by advance ticket only to assist with any social distancing requirements.

Visit https://lombardrallybath.ticketco.events/uk/en/m/e/lombard_rally_festival_newcastle_spectating

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