Pictures: Thousands see rally motors zoom into Newtown

Rally cars lined up in Newtown yesterday lunchtime in the middle of a stage that saw competitors take in a route through the forests of Mid Wales.

Heavy rain on Thursday evening meant tricky conditions for the drivers but excitement for those spectating during the rally stages in the Hafren Forest, Sweet Lamb and Myherin.

Several drivers fell foul of the slippery road, mud and surface water, ending up in ditches and hitting trees and other obstacles. But the weather was kind to those who travelled to Newtown for the lunchtime regroup of the cars in the town centre.

Broad Street and Severn Street were closed to through traffic as the rally cars began arriving from noon.

Welsh favourite Elfyn Evans was in fifth place after Friday morning and said conditions had proved difficult.

"It felt like driving on ice in places," he said.

The event was today moving into North Wales with a Rally Fest at Chirk Castle.

The entertainment began in the morning as competitors in the Network Q WRGB National Rally blasted their way around the slippery parkland roads under the shadow of the castle.

These were followed by a number of parades and displays featuring historic rally cars, exotic supercars, iconic 'Slowly Sideways' rally cars from past generations, Supermoto races and a stunt show from 22-time world record holder Terry Grant.

With forest and mountain stages today and tomorrow, the event culminates in a ceremonial finish tomorrow afternoon when the 2015 winners will receive their laurels and spray the Champagne.