UK Coach Rally competitors and trade exhibitors that have not yet returned their booking forms for the 2026 competition have been urged to do so as soon as possible by organiser Coach Displays.
That call comes with less than two months until this year’s event in Blackpool over the weekend of 18 and 19 April. All 50 competitor spaces are accounted for with a waiting list in place.
Location of trade exhibitors adjacent to the competitor coach parking area by the Comedy Carpet in front of Blackpool Tower has now been confirmed. Such a position moves them from their previous place on the opposing side of North Pier and such a shift has led to renewed interest from exhibitors.
A provisional map circulated by Coach Displays shows space for 20 trade exhibitor vehicles and two accompanying exhibition units, along with catering and toilet provision adjacent.
The returning of any outstanding trade exhibitor booking forms will allow positions on that part of the plan to be finalised.
For 2026, the Saturday evening gathering is once again a sit-down dinner dance, this time at the Grand Hotel on Blackpool seafront.
Tickets for what has been titled The Greatest Show are priced at £90 plus VAT. They include a drinks reception, a three-course dinner, and entertainment.
Coach Displays has negotiated a discounted rate for overnight accommodation with the Grand Hotel, for which the code UKCO 170426 should be used when making bookings by phone via 0161 923 0333.
Among those assisting Coach Displays’ Ann and Paul Cousins in organising the trade exhibitor part of this year’s rally have been Archway Travel director Sam Archer and UK Coach Operators Association President Steve Telling.
At a meeting on Friday 20 February, Mr Telling called on all parts of the industry to back the 70th Rally. The first was held at Clacton in 1955. It saw the Coach of the Year trophy claimed by an AEC Reliance with Roe Dalesman bodywork owned by Essex County Coaches, while R Best of London operator Best and Sons won the Coach Driver of the Year competition.
Proceedings this year will commence on the Saturday morning with a road run around the Lancashire countryside, with driving heats following that into the afternoon. Sunday will see judging and driving finals, with trophy presentation rounding off the weekend.
