Five-time World Rally Championship event winner Kris Meeke, a Lancia Stratos and competitors from 18 nations are heading to Aberystwyth for a record-breaking rally weekend.

JDS Machinery Rali Ceredigion returns from Friday 4 to Sunday 6 September 2026 with a record 149 entries across its International, Historic and National rallies. Among them is five-time WRC event winner Kris Meeke, making his Rali Ceredigion debut in a Toyota GR Yaris Rally2, while two-time winner Osian Pryce leads the Welsh challenge. The event will feature 16 competitive stages covering 191.34km, with crews coming from 18 nations.

Parking changes start on Wednesday

Residents and visitors will need to plan ahead before the cars arrive. Park Avenue and Lower Park Avenue car parks close at 6am on Wednesday 2 September and reopen at 8pm on Sunday 6 September, while New Promenade and Maesyrafon close from 6am on Friday 4 September until 6am on Sunday 6 September. Ceredigion County Council says Aberystwyth and other town centres will remain open for business, and Aberystwyth Farmers' Market will go ahead as normal on Saturday 5 September.

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Temporary road closures will also be in place around the Aberystwyth street stage and on rural stage routes across Ceredigion. The council has published an online road-closure map with dates, times and restrictions and is asking residents and visitors to check their journeys in advance. A free park-and-ride for the Aberystwyth street stage will operate from Aberystwyth Showgrounds off the A44 from 2pm to 11pm on Friday and 2pm to 10.30pm on Saturday, dropping passengers near the police station and railway station.

For the first time, the FIA European Historic Rally Championship will visit Rali Ceredigion, bringing cars including the Lancia Stratos, Ford Escort Mk2, BMW M3, Triumph TR7 V8 and Porsche 911 onto Welsh roads. Friday will also bring a new night-time challenge after two runs through the Aberystwyth street stage, with competitors heading out to stages at Elerch and Blaenmelindwr in darkness. Saturday takes the rally east of Aberystwyth before another two runs through the town, while Sunday's final stages take place around Gorsgoch and Ty Glyn before the finish back on the Promenade.

Free Rali Show on the Promenade

The rally atmosphere starts before the competitive stages, with a free Rali Show at Aberystwyth Bandstand from 4.30pm on Thursday 3 September. Selected rally cars will be on display, followed by an autograph session with leading crews from 5pm to 5.30pm, before the ceremonial start at 6pm. On Friday, the first two Aberystwyth street stages are scheduled for 7.05pm and 7.35pm; street-stage tickets cost £12 in advance or £15 on the day, with children aged 16 and under admitted free.

Councillor Clive Davies said Rali Ceredigion had become "one of the most significant events in our county's calendar", adding that it provides an opportunity to showcase the county while supporting local businesses, hospitality venues and attractions. The council is encouraging people attending the rally to support local shops, cafés and restaurants, while traders in Aberystwyth, Aberaeron and Lampeter have also been invited to take part in a rally-themed shop window challenge. Residents and visitors can find the latest parking and road information on the Ceredigion County Council website, while spectator information and tickets are available through Rali Ceredigion.