It has been confirmed that the Hills Ford Stages Rally that was due to take place in September, has been cancelled.
In a statement shared by the Cheltenham Motor Club today, it was confirmed that due to ongoing issues in obtaining approval from Herefordshire Council for the event to be hosted, there was no choice but to cancel the 2025 event.
A statement shared by Cheltenham Motor Club said:
Cheltenham Motor Club regrets to announce the cancellation of the Hills Ford Stages Rally 2025, originally scheduled for September.
Despite extensive preparations and the dedication of our volunteers, we have been unable to secure the necessary Motor Race Order and Road Closure Order from Herefordshire Council – critical permissions required to move forward with the event.
In contrast, we successfully obtained the requisite orders from Gloucestershire Council as early as May 2025, and we are very appreciative of their quick response and support.
Although Herefordshire Council initially committed to making a decision by lst May-following unanimous support from its parish councils-that date was subsequently delayed to 26th May.
Again, no objections were recorded at that level. Unfortunately, the council has yet to reach a definitive decision or provide the authorisations needed to proceed.
We are particularly concerned by the level of political interference that has emerged this year. Councillor Barry Durkin, Cabinet Member for Roads in Herefordshire, has engaged multiple external bodies, including Natural England and the Malvern Hills Trust, to solicit feedback on the event’s environmental impact while simultaneously declaring his impartiality.
Despite repeated efforts to engage with Herefordshire Council on the positive economic contribution of the event – expected to attract thousands of spectators and deliver significant benefits to the local economy – our communications have been met with silence.
Nearly 400 messages of public support were submitted by the community, yet none have been acknowledged, while all known objectors appear to have received direct responses.
The council claims over 100 objections exist but has declined to provide these or share their context, therefore denying us the opportunity to find a resolution.
To those that have taken the time to write in with your support, thank you! We have taken note, even if Herefordshire Council have disregarded your email.
If you wish to express your objection as to how Herefordshire Council have handled this matter, then please
Bruce Evans – bje@herefordshire.gov.uk
ClIr Barry Durkin- barry.durkin@herefordshire.gov.uk
We extend our heartfelt thanks to our sponsors, local and national supporters, the rally championships, and everyone who committed their time and energy toward the 2025 event.
Further appreciation goes to the parish councils set to host spectator areas – an important fundraising opportunity for the local community now lost due to this cancellation.
We must also extend a special thank you to Motorsport UK, who have also been in negotiations with Herefordshire Council over the past month, but have been unable to find an acceptable resolution to this matter.
This is not goodbye. Cheltenham Motor Club remains committed to motorsport, in particular this event, and we look forward to returning with some exciting news in the near future.
Dan Lister, Clerk of the Course
Kevin C. Smith, Event Director
Cheltenham Motor Club
