Northumberland rally event won't go ahead in 2025 to 'protect marshals from midges'

A popular annual Northumberland rally will not go ahead in 2025 as organisers aim to protect volunteer marshals from midges.

The Kielder Forest Rally usually takes place in June and sees rally cars of all ages compete to post the fastest time over gravel tracks through the forest. It brings around 1,000 spectators annually to the remote areas of West Northumberland closest to the Scottish border.

However, it will be "rested" next summer as several officials needed medical treatment following this year's event due to midge bites. Organisers attempted to find alternative dates, but due to clashes with other events, weather risk and availability of team members meant that this was impossible.

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Organisers say they remain committed to hosting a Kielder Rally in 2026, and hope to move the event forward to April, when there are fewer midges. Ed Graham, who has promoted the Kielder Rally for several years, said: "There were millions of them (midges), swarms, you can't do anything about them.

"Marshals are stuck out in the forest and they're being eaten alive by midges - it's been a problem for years in Kielder. You have to have a number of officials for safety, and if you can't get the numbers you would be very foolish to go ahead."

Alex MacLennan of Forestry England said: "We were surprised to hear the Kielder Forest Rally is not taking place next year and wish the event organisers well with their plans for 2026 event.

"The new Anglo-Caledonian rally in November is proving popular with a lot of interest and will be a good addition to diary with ensuring there is a major rally in November annually as the Roger Albert Clark rally takes place every second year. There seems to be a good following for these major events."