A POPULAR event in Wem has been rescued and will take place later this year.

The 'Vehicles of Interest' Rally and Parade had previously been cancelled due to a shortage of volunteers but this led to an outpouring of public concern on social media.

Organisers said last month that they hoped the event would go ahead and now, after several former VOI (Vehicles of Interest) committee members got together and we're supported by Wem Events Ltd and Wem Rotary Club, the event has been saved for 2023.

But President of Wem’s Rotary Club, Michael Howell, said there is a lot of work to do.

He continued: “With this level of support, it is now possible to go ahead with planning the event for this year.

“There’s an awful lot to do, and the time we have is getting very tight, but we are sure that everything that needs to be done will be done.

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He continued: “We cannot predict how big this year’s event will be, but we are determined that all VOI’s regular features will be there: the display on Wem’s Recreation Ground, the trade stands, the beer tent, the music stage, the range of food stalls, special displays, fairground rides for children, the ice cream van and, especially, the Grand Parade around the town centre.”

The ground is booked, all necessary license applications have been submitted, insurance is in place, a full risk assessment has been prepared and the organisers are arranging permission for the necessary road closures to ensure that the midday town centre parade is as safe, and spectacular, as it has been in the past.

Mr Howell added: “We may have a mountain to climb, but we are absolutely confident that we will reach the summit, so don’t forget to put the date in your diary.”

The event is set to take place on Sunday, July 23, 2023 at the Wem Recreation Ground.