Engines, bikes and family fun set to fill Craigywarren for huge vintage rally weekend

Vintage tractors, roaring motorcycles and classic engines will roll back into Craigywarren this weekend as one of Mid Antrim’s best-known rural rally events prepares for two packed days of family entertainment, road runs and community celebration in memory of Jackie McLaughlin.

The Craigywarren Vintage Rally returns on Friday 12 June and Saturday 13 June, bringing together vintage vehicle enthusiasts, bikers, traders and families from across Northern Ireland for a busy programme of displays, competitions, live music and children’s attractions.

Held at Craigywarren village on Cloughwater Road, BT43 6SY, the event has grown into a major local gathering, blending vintage motoring culture with a strong community atmosphere — and organisers are hoping for a strong turnout after difficult weather affected parts of last year’s show.

This year’s rally will again feature the Jackie McLaughlin Memorial Shield, awarded to the furthest travelled exhibitor attending the event.

Friday night motorcycle show and Mid Antrim road run

Friday evening’s programme will centre around motorcycles, with organisers planning a dedicated bike show from 5pm to 7pm before riders head out for a two-lap road run around sections of the famous Mid Antrim 150 course.

All types of motorcycles are welcome, with organisers encouraging both modern and vintage bike owners to take part.

Admission for the Friday motorcycle event is £5 per bike between 5pm and 6.45pm.

Following the road run, participants will return to the rally field for trophy presentations, food, music and entertainment.

Three trophies will be awarded during Friday evening’s “bike night”:

• Best bike on show

• Best entertainer on show

• Youngest rider on show

Music throughout Friday evening and across Saturday’s main rally will be provided by Kenny Davidson.

Free overnight parking and camping facilities will also be available for caravans and campers attending the weekend event.

Vintage vehicles and tractors take centre stage on Saturday

Saturday’s main rally begins from 9am and is expected to feature a wide range of vintage machinery and vehicles including:

• Vintage cars

• Tractors

• Motorcycles

• Stationary engines

• Classic and agricultural vehicles

A separate road run for all vehicle types is also planned for approximately 3.30pm on Saturday, with organisers currently finalising a route expected to cover around five miles.

A tractor balance competition is also set to return, with competitors battling for local bragging rights.

The rally field will additionally host trade stalls, arts and crafts sellers, tools, cakes, bric-a-brac and car boot-style traders across the weekend.

Trade stalls are priced at £20 per pitch.

Free family attractions expected to draw crowds

Alongside the vintage vehicles and motorcycle displays, organisers are placing a major focus on family entertainment this year with a wide range of free attractions for children planned throughout Saturday.

These include:

• Bouncy castle

• Soft play ball pit

• Face painting

• Sand pit with toy diggers and tractors

• Barrel train rides

• Twister buzz puzzler

Food vendors serving burgers, hot dogs, traybakes, tea, coffee and ice cream are also expected on site throughout the event.

General public admission is £5, while children can attend free of charge.

Exhibitor entry is priced at £10 and covers up to five vehicles including engines, tractors and motorcycles.

Organisers thank local farmer for continued support

Ahead of the event, organisers publicly thanked local farmer Jimmy Stirling for continuing to make the fields available for the rally each year.

They said the support of local landowners remains vital to keeping the long-running community event going.

The organising club has also confirmed that no lorries will be permitted into the field this year following recent wet weather conditions.

Visitors transporting vehicles by lorry have instead been asked to unload on the roadside before parking separately.

The restriction follows recent rain, with organisers keen to avoid damage to fields generously provided for the rally.

How to attend and booking information

The Craigywarren Vintage Rally takes place on Friday 12 June from 6pm to 9pm and Saturday 13 June from 9am to 4pm at Craigywarren Village, Cloughwater Road, BT43 6SY.

For bookings and enquiries, organisers can be contacted on:

• Michael — 07719 439 736

• Ben (motorcycle bookings and information) — 07805 250 526

Organisers are also encouraging visitors to follow the event Facebook page for updates ahead of the weekend.

After battling difficult weather during parts of last year’s rally, organisers are hoping for a strong turnout as bikers, vintage enthusiasts and families once again gather in Craigywarren for one of Mid Antrim’s best-known community motoring weekends.