Vintage rally is off once more

THIS year’s North West Vintage Rally due to take place in Widnes has been cancelled due to the pandemic and staff shortages.

Halton Borough Council said the scale of the event needs “many months of detailed preparation” and “extensive planning” so visitors enjoy a safe day.

A spokeswoman for the local authority said this has not been possible because of staff absences due to Covid-19 and ongoing vacancies.

Halton Council said it was “with regret” that the event cannot go ahead.

The rally last took place in 2018, with 2019 cancelled due to a downpour that left the ground saturated, followed by two years of pandemic hiatus.

It was also rained off in 2017.

According to the event’s website, the extravaganza of vintage vehicles has been taking place since 2000, attracting a total of around 40,000 visitors from around the region and beyond to Victoria Park.