The 2026 UK Coach Rally saw mixed weather on its first day in Blackpool, with the road run and driving test heats of Saturday 18 April being welcomed by a combination of sunshine and showers.
Despite early horizontal rain and diesel prices that have spiralled, there was no dampening the enthusiasm of the 50-strong field. Entrants travelled from as far as Devon, Wales and Scotland to participate in the 70th Rally. Those parties put forward coaches sized from a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter to multiple double-deckers, showcasing the sector at its best.
While many are established supporters of the event, others are newcomers or returnees after a period away. Among the latter names are Bland’s of Stamford, Falcon Coaches of West Byfleet, JNC Travel of Yeovil, Morpeth operator JWG Coaches, Tyrers Coaches of Chorley, and Bicester-based Voyage Travel Solutions
As ever, factory-fresh coaches mingle with others of varying ages. A pair of Van Hool T range examples were among a good turnout of vehicles from that marque, with A&P Travel and Sharpes of Nottingham each entering a 26-plate T17 Astron.
Of other 26-plates, Paul S Winson followed its 2025 victory in Coach of the Year with a 10.8m Scania Touring by submitting a larger, tri-axle example of the type that is freshly registered.
The latest-generation Yutong TC9 made its rally debut with new event supporter Carvers Coaches of Ellesmere Port, while Blakes Coaches and Heathside Travel both entered 26-plate Irizar tri-axles. The former is a Scania-based model while the latter is a DAF-engined integral.
Alongside new metal were various examples of older coaches. Those include a Volvo B10M with Jonckheere Deauville bodywork owned by Go Goodwins and a Setra S250 in the livery of Geoff Willetts Coaches from the Forest of Dean.
They sat alongside a 1977 Bedford YMT with Plaxton Supreme bodywork in the livery of Kenzies Coaches, a fitting entrant that continues Kenzies’ representation at the rally after long-time supporter Cyril Kenzie’s death in 2021.
This year’s event saw a relocation of trade supporters to an area adjacent to entrant parking in front of Blackpool Tower. That move was well received by exhibitors.
Among notable vehicles there were an UNVI XL-bodied Volvo B13R and a left-hand drive VDL Futura 3. Both models make their UK debuts at the rally, with the Futura 3 following up its global launch in October 2025.
A Higer V10 saw the first involvement of an integral coach from the Chinese manufacturer, while Minicoach World showed Ilesbus products in the wake of its purchase of the former Ilesbus UK business.
Judging will take place on the morning of Sunday 19 April. Driving test final rounds will follow, with trophies to be presented to conclude the weekend.
Below is a gallery of selected images from the first day of the 2026 UK Coach Rally. Click on any to enlarge:
