Preparations for the 2024 UK Coach Rally in Blackpool are well underway, with solid support from entrants and trade supporters, organiser Coach Displays has said.
The event will be held over the weekend of 13 and 14 April. As of 22 February, 38 entry forms had been returned. This year’s gathering is limited to 50 coaches owing to minor changes made to the parking area in front of Blackpool Tower.
In 2024, the Rally will largely follow the same format as previous years. The Saturday will be occupied with a road run in the morning, followed by driving heats to finish the day. Judging and driving finals are again set for Sunday. For judging, coaches will again be held stationary on the Comedy Carpet in front of the Tower.
Those aspects aside, a major change will be to the Saturday evening social event. This year, organisers will hold a beach party-themed gathering at the Imperial Hotel in place of the established formal dinner.
Speaking about that shift, Coach Displays representative Ann Cousins says: “We felt that we were not encouraging enough people to come to the dinner dance, and so we have decided to move towards an evening that is more fun, less formal, and open to families.” It will involve seaside-type food, a disco and fairground attractions, among others.
Mrs Cousins adds that the Rally weekend is “shaping up nicely,” with organisers working hard to complete arrangements.
Of entrants, many established attendees are already confirmed, but several names that are new or have not been seen at recent Rallies have also submitted entry forms. Among them are Fowler’s Travel, Meadway Travel, and Watkins Coaches.
Notably, perhaps one of the most famous names to be associated with the UK Coach Rally – that of Kenzies Coaches – is also expected to be represented once again. It is planned that a Volvo B58 with Plaxton Supreme IV bodywork in Kenzies’ colours will be among entries.
The B58 was part of the Shepreth operator’s fleet until owner Cyril Kenzie’s death in 2021. It is now owned by Connexions Buses Managing Director Craig Temple. The coach has been retrimmed, repanelled and repainted by Mr Temple, and it has benefited from a new floor.
Meanwhile, Parrys International MD Dave Parry is “hopeful” that the Cheslyn Hay business will be able to submit a member of the recently introduced Van Hool T range as its entry to the 2024 UK Coach Rally.
Further information here.
