National Coach Week 2026 will return from 12-18 October, organiser RHA has revealed. It will once more celebrate the people, businesses and operators of the sector that keep the UK moving.

This year’s theme is Coaches Make… Happen. That will see a spotlight on what RHA says are the countless moments that would not occur without the mode, from taking sports fans to events and families on holiday to getting children to school, supporting communities, backing the wider tourism field, and stepping in when other forms of transport are stuck.

Across the week, the trade body will mark the coach industry’s contribution, share stories from across the country, and remind the public and stakeholders how much is made possible by coaches.

This year’s will be the fifth National Coach Week following launch in 2022. The 2026 event moves to an autumn position for the first time, with previous celebrations having taken place in the spring. RHA adds that National Coach Week 2026 is also about continuing to undo how the mode and its contribution are too often overlooked.

“It is an opportunity to celebrate the industry, recognise the people behind it, and demonstrate to politicians, stakeholders and the wider public why coaches deserve greater recognition as an essential part of the transport network and economy,” the trade body adds.

Across the week there will be a series of themed campaign days to highlight how deeply entrenched in supporting everyday life the coach industry is. They will showcase everything from education and tourism to sport, festivals, and holidays.

The campaign will be driven through social media, stories from RHA coach members, case studies, videos, and photography. Operators, drivers, passengers, partners and supporters are all encouraged to share their experiences.

Also part of the exercise is a continuation of engagement with politicians and other stakeholders to raise the profile of coach and champion the issues that matter most to operators. To share photos, videos and experiences throughout the celebration, participants should use the hashtag #NationalCoachWeek.

Beyond members of the industry, RHA is seeking support from parties including passengers, schools, sports clubs, visitor attractions, hotels, restaurants, cafes, festival and event organisers, tourism businesses and other people with great coach stories worthy of telling.