2017
Bus & Coach Rally
Saturday 22nd April – Ulster Folk & Transport
Museum, Cultra
February 2017
The Annual Bus & Coach Rally, the 45th since
inception in 1972, will take place on Saturday 22nd April
2017 at the Ulster Folk & Transport Museum at Cultra,
Holywood, Co. Down commencing at 09.30 hours.
The event will include judging of vehicles (optional) and
a timed Road Regularity Run around parts of Belfast and
North Down (optional). During the Rally a number of
heritage vehicles will operate free journeys to Bangor
and Holywood/Holywood Exchange to give visitors and
enthusiasts the opportunity to sample buses no longer to
be seen in normal public passenger service.
The Road Regularity Run will cover approximately 30 miles
starting mid-morning with details of the route together
with maps being distributed to drivers on their arrival
at the event. Entrants participating in this part of the
day are strongly advised to bring someone along to assist
with navigation as due to very limited staff resources
Irish Transport Heritage will be unable to provide
assistants. On return to Cultra following the Road Run
vehicles will be on display to the public until
approximately 17.00 hours. For those who wish they may
also participate in providing vehicle(s) to assist in the
free demonstration bus service referred to above.
The Rally will include the award of cups/trophies for
best presented vehicles and to the winner of the Road
Regularity Run, the presentation of which will take place
at the conclusion of the Rally. A “Finishers
Award” will also be presented at the conclusion of
the Rally to all entrants who attend for the whole of the
day.
No competitive distinction will be made between
professional and non-professional drivers. This reflects
present day licensing requirements for drivers to have
professional qualifications to drive most types of public
service and former public service vehicles. Also in the
interests of fair competition an independent judge will
be appointed on the day. Their role will be to observe
the day’s proceedings and to penalise any entrant
who does not follow the rules or acts in an irresponsible
or unacceptable manner.
17th April this year marks the 50th Anniversary of
Ulsterbus taking over the operation of Ulster Transport
Authority’s road passenger services. In recognition
of its long service to the Northern Ireland community, a
selection of Company/preserved vehicles will be on
display in the grounds of the Museum. There will also be
a small exhibition of memorabilia including uniforms,
ticketing equipment, timetables, publicity material and
photographs on display within one of the Museum
galleries.
The Rally is only event of its type in Ireland and Irish
Transport Heritage strives to make it an interesting and
memorable day for the professional and enthusiast alike.
Everyone is welcome and attached is an entry form with
the hope that you will be able to support the event.
We look forward to hearing from you.
Will Hughes
Howard Cunningham
An entry form for the
Rally can be downloaded here.
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