eCoach Manager’s advice and insight on how group transport companies can take advantage of the UK’s summer festivals.
As summer approaches, the UK comes alive with some of the most exciting festivals, events, and fairs that draw crowds from across the globe. This season is a golden opportunity for transport companies to capitalise on the influx of tourists, corporate groups, and event-goers looking for reliable transportation to and from these major events. Whether it’s a music festival, a grand cultural fair, or a corporate summer retreat, ensuring your fleet is ready to handle the demand is key to tapping into this lucrative market.
In this article, we’ll explore the biggest UK summer festivals and how transport companies can position themselves to attract corporate and tourist clients. We’ll also highlight how eCoachManager can help you streamline fleet operations and maximise efficiency during this bustling period.
The Biggest UK Summer Festivals to Watch
The summer months in the UK are packed with world-class festivals and events. Here’s a look at some of the largest gatherings that transport companies should be prepared for:
1. Glastonbury Festival
Glastonbury, one of the most iconic UK summer festivals, attracts around 200,000 people annually. Held in Somerset, this five-day festival is a mecca for music lovers, with headline acts spanning multiple genres. With the crowd’s sheer size and the festival’s rural location, Glastonbury presents a significant transport challenge—and opportunity. Coach services are essential, with many festival-goers opting for group transport due to the difficulty of accessing the site by personal car.
Ensure your vehicles are equipped for longer journeys and can accommodate large groups. Positioning your services as a hassle-free alternative to driving and parking at Glastonbury can make your company a go-to option for festival-goers.
2. Edinburgh Festival Fringe
The world’s largest arts festival, the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, sees thousands of performers and visitors descend on Scotland’s capital every August. The festival features everything from theatre and comedy to dance and street performances. Transport companies can provide services to tourists and performers, production crews, and corporate groups attending the event.
Offer tailored services for corporate groups attending Fringe events or companies hosting VIP guests. During the festival, private hire for special groups can add value, and flexible scheduling will help meet the needs of attendees who require transport to multiple venues.
3. Notting Hill Carnival
This annual event is Europe’s biggest street festival, celebrating Caribbean culture with vibrant costumes, parades, and music. Held over the August bank holiday weekend in London, Notting Hill Carnival draws more than two million visitors each year. Transport companies have the perfect opportunity to cater to both tourists and large groups attending this cultural extravaganza.
Offer services that help festival-goers avoid the chaotic public transport system during the event. Providing shuttles to and from the event can also be a great way to differentiate your services from other providers.
4. Royal Ascot
This quintessential British horse racing event is one of the highlights of the summer social calendar. Held annually in June, Royal Ascot attracts royalty, celebrities, and corporate groups alike. For transport companies, the demand for luxury coach services and VIP transport is high, as many attendees look for group transport that matches the prestigious nature of the event.
Focus on providing luxury services for corporate clients or groups of friends attending Royal Ascot. Offering onboard amenities like air conditioning, refreshments, and Wi-Fi can help position your company as a premium service provider during this upscale event.
Capitalising on Summer Festivals
While the UK summer festivals present plenty of opportunities, transport companies need to be well-prepared to make the most of the season. Here’s how you can optimise your services to attract clients during these high-demand months:
- Plan Ahead: Anticipate increased demand well in advance by scheduling maintenance checks on your fleet before the summer season begins. Ensure your vehicles are in top condition and ready for longer journeys.
- Flexible Packages: Offering flexible packages that cater to different client needs is key. From VIP services for corporate groups to affordable packages for tourists and festival-goers, ensuring you can accommodate different budgets and preferences will set you apart.
- Group Bookings: Many festival attendees travel in groups, so focus on offering group transport deals. Whether it’s a coach for a large party or a smaller vehicle for a VIP group, provide options that meet various group sizes.
- Target Corporate Clients: The summer season isn’t just for music lovers and tourists; corporate retreats, company parties, and team-building events also increase during this period. Reach out to businesses attending festivals and events, offering them tailor-made transport solutions.
eCoachManager Can Help You Prepare
With so much happening during the summer months, transport companies need to ensure their operations run smoothly and efficiently. This is where eCoachManager comes in. The best fleet management and transport management for UK group transport providers, eCoachManager helps you handle everything from bookings and scheduling to dispatching and billing—all in one place.
Here’s how eCoachManager can support your business during UK summer festivals:
- Real-Time Fleet Management: Track your vehicles in real-time, ensuring timely pick-ups and drop-offs for festival-goers, tourists, and corporate clients.
- Easy Booking System: This allows customers to book their group transport through an integrated online platform easily. This helps you capture last-minute bookings during busy festival periods.
- Optimised Scheduling: Avoid overbooking or scheduling conflicts by managing your fleet’s availability and routes through the system.
- Customer Communication: Send automated updates to your clients to ensure they are informed of any changes or delays.
Using eCoachManager, you can streamline your operations, improve customer service, and ensure your fleet is ready through our transportation management software to take full advantage of the busy summer season.
Conclusion
With major UK summer festivals like Glastonbury, Edinburgh Festival Fringe, Notting Hill Carnival, and Royal Ascot, transport companies have the perfect opportunity to attract a wide range of clients—from tourists and festival-goers to corporate groups.