The north Wales resorts of Conwy and Llandudno are gearing up to host spectacular welcome parties when the new-look Wales Rally GB comes to town next month (14-17 November).

Thursday evening’s Ceremonial Start to the final round of the 2013 FIA World Rally Championship will be staged against the historic backdrop of Conwy Castle while the busy Mostyn Street in Llandudno will witness the Sunday afternoon’s Ceremonial Finish. With free access available to all, both dazzling showpieces are expected to draw huge crowds.

Spectators in the region will be given many great opportunities to see the cars and meet the stars. All those competing in the WRC event will be parking up on the road in front of the Promenade in Llandudno on Thursday afternoon and fans will able to join their heroes during the ever-popular Autograph Session, which will take place in Venue Cymru between 5.15pm and 5.45pm.

The Ceremonial Start that follows on Conwy Quay at 6.30pm will be full of drama with searchlights, flames and lasers illuminating the night sky while Conwy Castle’s medieval fortifications will transformed by some amazing digitally-created visuals. Great viewing will also be available from Castle and High Streets.

Adding to the sense of occasion, the Great Orme that overlooks both Conwy and Llandudno – and witnesses the rally’s final competitive stage on Sunday – will be floodlit for the duration of the world championship event.

For the crews that successfully complete the notoriously gruelling event, the Finishing Ceremony from 1.00pm on Sunday promises to be equally theatrical with urban drummers and fire-breathers entertaining the crowds on Llandudno’s main shopping street, which will be closed to through traffic.

All the official activities in Conwy and Llandudno are absolutely free for everyone to attend.