Rallies and Events

This listing is correct as of 01 July 2026.

To have your rally or event on this list, into RadCom and read out on GB2RS News, email full details AS EARLY AS POSSIBLE to radcom@rsgb.org.uk 

Operating events are shown in italics.

5 Jul 2026 –Barford Norfolk Radio Rally

Barford Village Hall and Green, Barford, Norwich, NR9 4AB.

Doors open at 9am for visitors. Traders from 8am with outside pitches available on the day & Limited number of inside hall tables which must be prebooked.

Entry £3 per person. Under 16s free of charge.

The event features trade stands, car boot sales, bring and buy, charity raffle, repeater groups, catering and free car parking.

norfolkamateurradio.org/barford-2026

Contact David, G7URP via radio@dcpmicro.com

5 Jul 2026 – Broadcast Engineering Museum open day

Broadcast Engineering Museum, 41 Capper Avenue, Hemswell Cliff, Near Gainsborough, Lincs DN21 5XS.

Doors open 11am.

The museum has one of the largest collections of historic broadcasting equipment in the world, including outside broadcast vehicles, TV cameras, videotape and telecine machines, audio equipment, transmitters, TV lighting and public address systems. All housed in a historic 27,000 sq. ft. ex-RAF building that is gradually being restored.

Most of the museum is wheelchair accessible but there is not a disabled toilet yet.

Admission: Adults (16+): £8, Child (5-15): £4, Child (0-5): free, carer (accompanying paying disabled visitor): free

Car parking: free

Further information: becg.org.uk/events

5 Jul 2026 – BVWS Swapmeet and Auction Royal Wootton Bassett (BVWS members only)

Wootton Bassett Memorial Hall, Royal Wootton Bassett, Swindon, Wiltshire SN4 8EN.

Doors open at 9.30am. Stallholder entry from 9am.

Admission £8.

Contact Mike Barker.

5 Jul 2026 – Newbury Radio Rally

The Rally takes place at one of the biggest showgrounds in the south of England. Newbury Showground is located right next to junction 13 of the M4 Motorway. Nearest postcode: RG18 9QZ.

Visitors £4 per person (children under 16 free, no other concessions).

Free parking.

Traders / sellers £15 per plot (5m x 5m).

For more information visit nadars.org.uk/rally.asp

11 Jul 2026 – Humber Fortress DX Amateur Radio Club – Radio Rally 2026

Welwick Village Hall, Northfield Lane, Welwick, Nr Hull, HU12 0SH.

Doors open from 10am.

General admission: £3.50 per visitor (under-14s free).

Fully disabled-friendly access, free local parking, refreshments available.

Limited number of tables available, so early booking is strongly recommended.

For more information or to book a table, email rally@hfdxarc.com or visit: hfdxarc.com/booking-form-2026

12 Jul 2026 – 145 Alive

This popular event takes place four or five times per year and is designed to promote activity on 145MHz FM and 144MHz SSB. Each event operates between 40-50 synchronous nets across all of the UK and Ireland, where possible. During each event around 700- 900 operators take part. It is very easy to take part and if you want more information go to the 145 Alive Facebook page or send an email to 145aliveuk@gmail.com

12 Jul – McMichael Radio & Electronics Rally 2026

White Waltham Airfield, Maidenhead, SL6 3LW.

9am entry (8am for trader set-up).

Visitors : £4 per person.

Traders: £15 per pitch (includes entry for two people), large pitches (double width) £30.

Entry by cash only at the gate. No card payments or advanced bookings are available.

Established and popular annual event for radio amateurs and electronics enthusiasts in the South. Whether you are looking for that special component, a new project, a retail bargain or to meet fellow enthusiasts, the mid-summer weather is usually warm and dry, so the McMichael Rally is the event to attend.

General Enquiries: rally@radarc.org

Traders: traders@radarc.org

Colin Ashley, 07706 512 505

mcmichaelrally.org.uk

facebook.com/McMichaelRadioRally

Instagram: @mcmichael_radio_rally

Twitter: @McMichaelRally

19 Jul – Lincoln Short Wave Club  Summer Radio Rally

The Festival Hall, Caistor Road, Market Rasen LN8 3HT

Admission £3.

Doors open 10am.

Indoor event ample free parking.

Over 50 tables of traders and special interest groups.

Hot refreshments including our famous bacon butties.

Card payments accepted.

Tables £10.

Contact: Steve, M5ZZZ, 07777 699 069, m5zzz@outlook.com

CANCELLED: 19 Jul 2026 – Bury St Edmunds Radio Rally

Tower Aviation Museum, Rougham Control, Rougham Tower Ave, Bury St Edmunds IP32 7QB.

Doors open at 9.30am.

Entry fee £3.

Car boot sales £3.

Traders £10.

This is an outdoor rally, tables not provided.

The venue has ample on site parking, toilet facilities and access to the Rougham Tower museum.

Contact rally2026@bsears.co.uk

25 Jul 2026 – Wiltshire Radio Rally Electronics Fair & Car Boot Sale

Kington Langley Village Hall & Playing Fields, Church Road, Kington Langley, Chippenham, Wiltshire, SN15 5NJ.

What 3 Words: ///flamed.orchestra.laminate

Doors open at 9am (car boot & stallholder entry from 7.30am).

Huge site with ample parking and space for sellers.

Hot and cold refreshements

For more information visit the Chippenham and District Radio Club website at: chippenhamradio.club/rally/

Email at rally@chippenhamradio.club or g6huim3hui@gmail.com

2 Aug 2026 – BATC Convention For Amateur TV 2026 (CAT 26) Part 1

Midland Air Museum, Rowley Rd, Coventry CV3 4FR.

10am to 4pm.

Meet-up, show and tell, test and fix-it and bring and buy event.

There will be comprehensive test facilities available for all bands from 144MHz to 24GHz and Portsdown/MiniTiouner/Ryde/power amplifiers/preamps.

Non-members welcome.

2 Aug 2026 – Broadcast Engineering Museum open day and BVWS Swapmeet

Broadcast Engineering Museum, 41 Capper Avenue, Hemswell Cliff, Near Gainsborough, Lincs DN21 5XS.

The museum will hold an open day on Sunday 2 August and will be hosting a BVWS Swapmeet at the same time.

Doors open 11am. Admission to the museum includes admission to the swapmeet.

The museum has one of the largest collections of historic broadcasting equipment in the world, including outside broadcast vehicles, TV cameras, videotape and telecine machines, audio equipment, transmitters, TV lighting, PA systems and mid-20th century domestic living rooms. All housed in a historic 27,000 sq. ft. ex-RAF building that is gradually being restored.

All of the display areas are now wheelchair accessible but there is not a disabled toilet yet.

Admission: Adults (16+): £8, Child (5-15): £4, Child (0-4): free, Carer (accompanying paying disabled visitor): free.

Car parking: free.

Further information: becg.org.uk/events

2 Aug 2026 – Finningley ARS

DN8 5SX. Visit g0ghk.com for more information.

2 Aug 2026 – Kings Lynn ARC Rally

Gaywood Community Centre off Gayton Road, Kings Lynn PE30 4EL.

Gates open at 9am and entrance is £2.50.

Traders welcome. Indoor pitch is £10 per table and outdoor is £8 per table.

Call Kev on 0770 907 4951 or email rally.klarc@gmail.com to book or for further information.

9 Aug 2026 – Flight Refuelling ARS Hamfest

Cobham Sports and Social Club Ground, Merley, near Wimborne, Dorset, BH21 3DA.

9am to 3pm. Admission £5 (includes parking). Talk-in on 145.550MHz. On site catering and bar.

No dogs except assistance dogs (landowner’s condition).

Indoor and field pitches.

Car-boot sellers and field traders welcome from 7am.

Booking forms available via frars.co.uk

14 Aug – Cockenzie & Port Seton Amateur Radio Club 31st Annual Mini-Rally Night

Community Centre, Main Hall, Port Seton.

Bring along your own ‘junk’ and sell it yourself. Tables on first-come-first-served basis. Entrance fee £4 for everyone.

15, 16, 21, 22 Aug 2026 – International Lighthouses and Lightships Weekend

Worldwide Event  organised by Ayr Amateur Radio Group.

This popular event has been running since 1998 in its current format, but has been around since 1993.

This is one of the most well attended events on the calendar and a great way to try for those countries you might be missing on your maps.

Registration details can be found at illw.net

16 Aug 2026 – North Wales Amateur Radio Group Rally and Tabletop Sale

The Bryn Cadno Community Centre.

Doors open 10am.

Entry Fee £3.

Light refreshments available.

To book a table email secretary@nwarg.org

16 Aug 2026 – RugbyAmateur Transmitting Society

Open to public from 10am.

More details are available at rugbyats.co.uk

16 Aug 2026 – West Manchester Radio Club  Red Rose Summer Rally

Mather Hall, Mather Lane, Leigh WN7 2PJ.

Doors open at 10am.

For further info and bookings, contact rally@wmrc.co.uk or lesjackson@ntlworld.com, 07796 264 569

29, 30, 31 Aug 2026 – British Inland Waterways on the Air

UK-based event organised by John Rogers, M0JAV, Lyndsay Latimer, M6YMB and Stefan Latimer, M0OSL.

This event encourages amateurs of all ages and abilities to get out of the shack and get to the water.

Whether you activate from a kayak on the canal, or a pontoon on a pond, as long as the body of water is accessible to the public and is not the sea, you can work from that location.

A fun and relaxed event that is proving more popular each year.

Registration is available at nharg.org.uk/content/biwota-registration

30 Aug – Milton Keynes Amateur Radio Society (MKARS) rally

Heron’s Lodge Guide Activity Centre, Bradwell Road, Loughton Lodge, Milton Keynes, MK8 9AA (opposite the National Badminton Centre – follow the brown shuttlecock signs) which has excellent modern facilities together with free onsite parking, catering and disabled facilities.

Open to the public from 9am.

Entrance fee £3. Free parking.

This year there is no access to the Badminton Centre car park opposite, so some of field space will be used for parking.
This means there will be a reduced number of outdoor pitches available, so reservation is advised. After reservations, pitches will be allocated on a first come gets it basis. The organisers will, however, be making full use of the indoor space, previously under used. 25 outdoor and 20 indoor pitches are planned.

For bookings, or if you have queries, email rally@mkars.org.uk

There is no telephone number for booking!

For traders and exhibitors, arrival (gates open) from 7am.

Outdoor pitches are up to 5m at £10 or multiples of.

Indoor pitches are 3m at £10 or multiples of.  If you have your own tables for indoor use please bring them.

Special interest groups (not selling) or local clubs are free of charge. Email rally@mkars.org.uk for written exemption. Please do not ask at the gate on the day.

It is strongly recommended to book advance.

The organisers permit the use of generators on site for health and safety / insurance reasons. So, if you need power, please request an indoor table or bring suitable batteries.

MKARS reserves the right to refuse entry.

Catering will be provided by MKARS inside the hall, and will include tea/coffee/cold drinks as well as sausage rolls and other snacks.

For more information see mkars.org.uk/mkrally

30 Aug – Torbay Amateur Radio Society  Annual Rally (Bank Holiday Sunday) 

New venue: The Courtenay Centre,  Kingsteignton Road, Newton Abbot, TQ12 2QA.

This venue is a town centre site and offers a large car park adjacent.

As well as trade stands, new and used equipment and components there will be a bring-and-buy area and refreshments.

Starts 10am.

Entry fee £3.

Enquiries: Peter Tanner 01803 864528, petertanner@btconnect.com

31 Aug 2026 – Huntingdonshire ARS Radio Rally

Ramsey Rural Museum, Wood Lane, Ramsey. Cambridgeshire.

What3Words: ///hooked.catcher.tweaked. Alternatively follow the Brown Museum Signs.

Traders only from 7am.  Marquees will be available with tables which need booking and plenty of grassed area.

Buyers entry from 9am. Admission Prices will be announced soon.

Hot and cold refreshments available inside and outside.

Contact Malcolm, M0VVT, harsrally2026@hotmail.com, 07855 505 383.

Note: The venue is being held on a large grassed area which may have restricted disabled access due to the uneven grounds of the Museum.

11 Sep 2026 – Churches and Chapels on the Air

Approximately 10am to 4pm.

Mainly 80m and 40m SSB.

For more information visit wacral.org or email John, G3XYF via jhwresdell@gmail.com

12 Sep 2026 – East Midlands Ham and Electronics Rally

Beckingham Village Hall, Southfield Lane, Beckingham (near Gainsborough), DN10 4FX.

Doors open 9.30am to 4pm.

Hot food and refreshments available.

Free car parking behind the hall.

Traders setup from 7am.

Well-behaved dogs on a lead at all please.

More information and booking form at emerg.uk/rally

5-13 Sep 2026 – International Air Ambulance Week

For details visit radio-amateur-events.org/IAW/index.htm

6 Sep 2026 – Telford Hamfest

Harper Adams University Near Telford, TF10 8ND. The Hamfest takes place inside a large sports hall with plenty of space between tables and also outdoor tables.

Doors open at 10.15am.

Admission £5 (children up to 16 free).

Easy travel access, unlimited free parking and catering on site.

RSGB Bookstall, bring and buy and G-QRP Convention on 5 September, contact G-QRP for information.

Contact Hamfest team on hamfest@tdars.org.uk

13 Sep 2026 – 145 Alive

This popular event takes place four or five times per year and is designed to promote activity on 145MHz FM and 144MHz SSB. Each event operates between 40-50 synchronous nets across all of the UK and Ireland, where possible. During each event around 700- 900 operators take part. It is very easy to take part and if you want more information go to the 145 Alive Facebook page or send an email to 145aliveuk@gmail.com

13 Sep 2026 – BVWS Swapmeet Biggleswade BVWS members only

The Weatherly Centre, Eagle Farm Road, Biggleswade, Bedfordshire SG18 8JH

For sat-nav use postcode SG18 8JH, not ‘Weatherley Centre’. In Eagle Farm Road, use the entrance signposted Stratton Upper School and Weatherley Centre. The Weatherley Centre itself is straight ahead at the back of the

complex, beyond the tennis courts.

(Google maps for driving to ‘Weatherley Centre’ shows entry via a back road – Orchard Close – but that entrance is pedestrian only, and it’s a long way back round!).

The Weatherley Centre is at the rear of the school complex. The Centre parking area is to the left of the Centre as you approach it. Disabled parking is right in front. There is ample free overflow parking on the road right

outside the school gates. Do not use the school parking areas, or you may incur a fine. All cars parked in the Centre car park must have their numbers registered on the tablet (or via QR code) soon after you enter the hall.

For those using public transport it is a 12-minute walk or 5-minute taxi ride from Biggleswade Railway Station.

Stallholder entry from 9am. Doors open at 9am. Auction starts at approximately 12.30pm.

Hot refreshments are available.

Contact Jeremy Owen, British Vintage Wireless and Television Museum, 23 Rosendale Road, West Dulwich, London, SE21 8DS. Telephone 020 8670 3667

Access to the museum is via the green side gate, and not the front door of the house.

Open by appointment only. Please phone in advance if you intend to visit.

13 Sep 2026 – Caister Lifeboat Radio Rally

Caister Lifeboat station, Caister on Sea, NR30 5DJ. Entrance via carpark on Beach Road.

Raffle, on-site cafe, gift shop, museum.

Free entry, open 10am-3pm (9am for sellers).

Inside and outside spaces available.

Contact, Zane, M1BFI, m1bfi@outlook.com, 07711 214 790.

26, 27 Sep 2026 – Railways on the Air

1-31 Oct 2026– UK Bunkers on the Air (UKBOTA) Royal Observer Corps (ROC26) event

Celebrating the work carried out by the Royal Observer Corps from their creation in October 1925 to the point they were formally stood down in December 1995.

Eyes in the ski during WWI and the Cold War era.

More details are available at: ukbota.net/hc26

email: info@ukbota.org

4 Oct 2026 – Welsh Radio Rally

Hosted by Blackwood and District Amateur Radio Society GW6GW.

At Llanwern High School, Hartridge Farm Road, Newport, NP18 2YE, South Wales.

Entry: traders at 7am, public at 9.30am. Close 1pm. Admission £3.

Large and small traders, bring and buy and raffle.

Technical talks:

• Andy Taylor, MW0MWZ is giving an overview of his suite of Pi programs, including Pi-Clock, Pi-Star Legacy and Pi-Star Next Generation.
• Steve Hartley, G0FUW will present ‘QRP why and how?
• Free on-site parking, toilets and fully accessible venue. Onsite Catering.

Traders please pre-book your tables ASAP with Philip Price, GW5JJV.

Email: welshradiorally@icloud.com

Tel: 07762159734.

11 Oct 2026 – Annual Hornsea ARC Rally 

Driffield Showground, YO25 9FB, East Yorkshire.

Details from Les on 01377 252 393.

24 Oct 2026 – Essex CW Amateur Radio Club Boot Camp & CW Conference

3rd Witham Scout and Guide HQ.

If you are interested in attending and have not registered email info@essexcw.org.uk

Places are limited and will be allocated on a first-come first-served basis. Once the application forms go out please respond quickly to avoid disappointment.

The doors open at 8.30am for registration. The meetings begin at 9am. Please be sure to arrive in plenty of time to register. The day finishes at approximately 4.30pm.

essexcw.uk

25 Oct 2026 – Galashiels Radio Rally and Open Day 

The Volunteer Hall, St Johns Street, Galashiels, TD1 3JX.

Doors open at 11.15am. Disabled access from 11am. Admission £3.

Bring and buy, refreshments and traders.

More details at galaradioclub.co.uk

1 Nov 2026 – BVWS Swapmeet Golborne (BVWS members only)

Golborne Parkside Sports & Community Club, Rivington Avenue, Golborne, Warrington, Cheshire WA3 3HG

Doors open at 10am. Stallholder entry from 9.30am.

Contact Mark Ryding via markryding100@hotmail.co.uk

This is only about 1.5miles away from the old Lowton hall (which has now been demolished).

For those using public transport the event is a 40-minute taxi ride from Manchester, 10-minute taxi ride from Newton-le-Willows railway station, and 25-minute taxi ride from Warrington Bank Quay railway station. Local

bus services are also available with a 10-minute walk to the event.

29 Nov 2026 – Bishop Auckland Amateur Radio Club Rally

Spennymoor Leisure Centre, High St, Spennymoor, Co Durham, DL16 6DB.

Email Bob Dingle: bdingle@hotmail.co.uk

6 Dec 2026 – BVWS Swapmeet and Auction, Royal Wootton Bassett (BVWS members only)

Wootton Bassett Memorial Hall, Royal Wootton Bassett, Swindon, Wiltshire SN4 8EN.

Doors open at 9am.

Admission £8.

Contact Mike Barker

6 Dec 2026 – Mid Devon Amateur Radio & Electronics Fair

Winkleigh Sports & Recreation Centre, Mid-Devon EX19 8HZ.

9am – 1pm.

Entry £3 per person, no charge for partners and under 16s.

Easy access from the A3124, free parking, free Wi-Fi, hot food and refreshments available. A chance to track down those hard-to-find electronic components, two-way radio and computer hardware.

Traders please book ASAP. Note: a maximum four tables per booking. The four table per trader restriction may be removed after 1 October if the rally is not fully booked.  Tables are 6ft frontage (tables supplied), mains electricity available on request at no extra charge.

Please pre-book ASAP with  Phil, G6DLJ  07990 563 147 or email wrg2024@hotmail.com

What3Words ///focal.fountain.laminated

Special event News – 28 June 2026

Special callsign DQ40CNP is in use until the 11 July to commemorate the 40^th anniversary of the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant disaster. The station has been worked recently on the HF bands using FT8. QSL via DL1EAL. QSOs will be uploaded to Logbook of the World, eQSL, the DARC Community Logbook, QRZ.com  and Club Log.

Amateur radio operators across the USA, Canada and Mexico are activating a series of special callsigns to celebrate the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Stations are active until the 19 July from each of the cities hosting the tournament. Look out for activity on all bands and modes. For more information visit wc2026ses.org

Contest News – 28 June 2026

Today, 28 June, the UK Microwave Group High Band Contest runs from 0800 to 1700UTC. Using all modes on 5.7 to 10GHz frequencies, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.

Also today, 28 June, the RSGB 50MHz CW Contest runs from 0900 to 1200UTC. Using CW on the 6m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.

On Wednesday 1 July, the RSGB 144MHz FT8 Activity four-hour Contest runs from 1700 to 2100UTC. Using FT8 on the 2m band, the exchange is report and four-character locator. Also on Wednesday 1 July, the RSGB 144MHz FT8 Activity two-hour Contest runs from 1900 to 2100UTC. Using FT8 on the 2m band, the exchange is report and four-character locator. Stations entering the four-hour contest may also enter the two-hour contest.

RSGB VHF National Field Day and the RSGB VHF Fixed Station Contest start at 1400UTC on Saturday 4 July and run until 1400UTC on Sunday 5 July. Using all modes on the 6m, 4m, 2m, 70cm and 23cm bands, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.

On Sunday 5 July, the RSGB 3^rd 144MHz Backpackers Contest runs from 1000 to 1400UTC. Using all modes on the 2m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.

DX News – 28 June 2026

Chas, NK8O is active as 5H3DX from Tanzania until Thursday 2 July. He operates using CW, FT4 and FT8 on the 40 to 6m bands. QSL via Logbook of the World or directly to NK8O.

Darek, TJ1GD is active from Mondoleh Island in Cameroon, AF-095, until Wednesday 15 July. See QRZ.com for QSL instructions.