2026 UK Coach Rally shaping up well as waiting list put in place.

Fifty operator entries have already been made, with a change to the trading area as the 70th edition of the rally approaches.

Coach Displays, the organiser of the UK Coach Rally, expects a strong 2026 event in Blackpool on the weekend of April 18-19, after all 50 entry places were filled and a waiting list of five additional vehicles was established.

This year’s Rally will continue the usual pattern of a road run through the Lancashire countryside on Saturday morning, followed by driving heats in the afternoon.

On Sunday, the judging and driving finals will take place, with the awards being presented to conclude the events.

Saturday evening will witness the return of the popular dinner dance format, complete with a sit-down meal and entertainment, this time at the Grand Hotel on the beachfront.

Coach operator entries listed on the Rally website include long-time supporters, competitors returning after a hiatus, and some who are new to the event.

The 70th anniversary of the UK Coach Rally will be celebrated in 2026.

Organiser Ann Cousins congratulated all of the operators that entered, including those who encouraged other businesses to participate in the festive year, as well as trade supporters.

In contrast to previous arrangements, trade exhibitors will now be located near the Comedy Carpet in front of Blackpool Tower, adjacent to the space used to park competitor coaches.

Mrs Cousins claims that such a move is the result of input from trade supporters, who have expressed increased interest.

Driving tests will remain on the opposite side of North Pier, but the shift in location for the trade area consolidates all other activities into one spot.

Sam Archer, the head of local operator and Rally supporter Archway Travel and a routeone columnist, and Steve Telling, Chair of the UK Coach Operators Association, have led the effort to achieve the relocated venue.

As of February 19, confirmed exhibitors were BASE Coach Sales, Bus and Coach Centre, Harris Bus and Coach, MAN, Pelican Bus and Coach, RHA, Scania UK, Temsa Sales UK, TI Recovery, and the UK Coach Operators Association.

“Things are now looking very good for the 2026 Rally, with a long road to get us to where we are now,” according to Mrs.

Cousins.She informs us that, while five reserve entries are already on the first come, first served waiting list, more will be welcomed.

In the 2025 results, Paul S Winson was named Coach of the Year for its brand-new Scania Touring, while Christopher Shaw of Dews Coaches of Somersham won Coach Driver of the Year for his performance in a Mercedes-Benz Tourismo. Both operators plan to return to Blackpool in April.

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