Hills Ford Stages Rally – road closures and further information

The Hills Ford Stages Rally takes place in Shropshire on Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 September 2026.

The organisers have produced a public briefing note giving important information about the event. The content of the briefing note is also posted on this page.

The event begins in Shrewsbury on Saturday with the Ceremonial Start, before moving to Weston Park for the Rally Festival and competitive rally stages during the afternoon.

On Sunday 20 September the rally moves onto closed public roads in south Shropshire, with five stages – Cressage, Clee Hill, Lawley, Dorrington and Linley – each being used twice during the day.

Road closures and local access

Temporary road closures will be in operation around the five Sunday stages to allow the rally to take place safely.

For an overview of which roads will be closed and when, please follow this link.

You can also visit the One.Network website for information about which roads are closed

The Temporary Traffic Restriction Order issued under Section 16a Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 means the roads are closed for all traffic, pedestrians, horses and riders, pedal cycles and all classes of vehicle including e-scooters and e-bikes. DO NOT IGNORE THE ROAD CLOSED SIGNS.

Road Closed advanced information signs will be placed and on the day use the signed diversions.

Residents and businesses directly affected by the event have been contacted by the organisers with information specific to their area, including road closure and access arrangements.

Anyone travelling through south Shropshire on Sunday should allow additional time for their journey and be prepared to follow temporary traffic management, diversions and instructions from officials where these are in operation.

Watching the rally

Anyone wishing to watch the rally on Sunday should travel only to the official spectator locations published by the organisers.

Dedicated spectator areas, parking and recommended approaches have been identified for the event.

Please follow the published directions rather than relying solely on sat-nav, as some roads may be closed or unsuitable for spectator traffic.

The official spectator maps contain the information you need to plan your visit, including:

• Designated spectator viewing locations;
• Spectator parking;
• Recommended travel routes and approaches;
• Pedestrian routes;
• Important safety information.

Please do not attempt to find alternative or unofficial viewing locations. Rally stages pass through working farmland, private land and environmentally sensitive countryside and access outside the designated spectator areas may not be permitted.

Plan your visit before traveling and follow the official spectator information at hillsfordstages.co.uk/spectators/

Please join, anonymously, the Hills Ford Stages WhatsApp Update Channel to obtain up to date information on the day. To join please use this QR Code.

If you are visiting the countryside

The Shropshire countryside remains very much open for people to enjoy during the rally weekend, but walkers, cyclists, horse riders and other visitors should be aware that they may encounter increased traffic, rally support vehicles, marshals, spectators and temporary restrictions in areas around the stages.

Please observe all temporary signs and instructions and never enter a road that has been closed for the rally.

If the planned walking, cycling or riding route crosses or approaches one of the rally areas, please check for Public Rights of Way signage or Road Closed information see above. DO NOT IGNORE THE ROAD CLOSED SIGNS.

Help us protect Shropshire

The rally takes place through working farms, villages and some of Shropshire’s most beautiful countryside. Everyone attending is asked to help us leave it exactly as we found it.

No fires or BBQs should be lit in spectator areas, lay-bys, pull-ins, farmland, woodland,
commons, parkland, public land or nature reserves.

Please dispose of smoking materials responsibly, take all litter home, keep dogs under close control and respect crops, livestock, wildlife, residents and private property.

Do not park on verges or in passing places on narrow lanes. Do not block gateways, field entrances, access roads or emergency routes when parking.

Spectator safety

Motorsport can be dangerous. Please:

• Watch only from designated spectator areas;
• Obey marshals and officials at all times;
• Stay behind safety barriers and signage;
• Never walk onto a live rally stage;
• Supervise children carefully;
• Keep dogs under close control;
• Never stand in prohibited areas or locations marked by officials;
• Allow emergency and event vehicles unrestricted access.

The safest and best way to enjoy the Hills Ford Stages is from the official spectator areas provided by the organisers