Cumbrian organisers of a popular car rally have confirmed that the 2025 event has been cancelled after volunteers were impacted by insects at this summer's event.

The organising team from Cumberland Sporting Car Club have decided to “rest” the Kielder Forest Rally for 2025 but do plan to run in on a date to be confirmed late April 2026.

They said: "Unfortunately, we have had to put the welfare of our event volunteers who work hard out in the forest first. Kielder in June has the unavoidable issue of midge. This years event was no exception as the midge were worse than ever and several members of the team were badly affected by them."

Discussions amongst the team ensued and alternative dates were investigated. Trying to avoid clashes with other events (which the team did not want to compromise), weather risk and availability of the key team members meant that no alternative date could be found for 2025.

An innovative plan run a double header alongside the Border Counties Rally in May 2025 was not supported by the Border Counties team. Lengthy discussions also took place with the BTRDA Rally Championship but in the end, it was clear there was no option to run Kielder in 2025.

The organising team remain committed to making the event happen in 2026 and have the support and commitment from BTRDA to have Kielder incorporated in this prestigious gravel championship when it does return.