Tamworth Regional Council cancels National Thunder Motorcycle Rally due to developing COVID-19 situation

The rally, due to take place from October 1 to 4, 2021 has been cancelled and will instead be held from Friday September 30, to Monday October 3, 2022.

It was set to attract more than 1700 people to the region and bring $1 million into the local economy.

But, lockdowns across NSW and and border restrictions mean the event now isn't feasible, as many registered participants were travelling from Victoria and Queensland.

The decision has been made early, in order to notify ticket holders and stakeholders such as contractors, performers and accommodation providers ahead of time, event manager Michaela Stevens said.

She said it was an extremely tough decision to make and one that had always been a possibility in this current climate.

"We were confident that the event could go ahead safely and registration numbers were really solid. Unfortunately, with the developing COVID-19 situation we were left with no option but to cancel this year's event," she said.

"Our priority is the health and safety of the Tamworth community as well as the rally attendees.

"We want to hold an event that is safe - one where people can comfortably mingle with mates and ride through the regions without concern, at this time this is not something we can guarantee."

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Tamworth mayor Col Murray labelled the cancellation "a difficult one for the region".

"Unfortunately the event is completely unfeasible under the current circumstances but we look forward to having it next year," he said.

All tickets sold will remain valid for the 2022 event and if ticket holders are unable to attend in 2022, a full refund will be issued.

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