Coach booking applications are now open.
Coach bookings terms & conditions
To make your visit to the Worcester Victorian Christmas Fayre as pleasant as possible for you and your passengers, it is essential to book your coach arrangements in advance and we have made this process easier through a new online booking form. Please read the following information carefully and contact us if you have any questions.
Benefits for coach companies and passengers
- Designated city centre drop-off and pick-up areas within easy walking distance to the Christmas Fayre
- Allocated time slots and passenger passes to minimise waiting times
- Stewarding service to welcome passengers to the event
- Well-signposted access routes
- Free programmes are available for your passengers on arrival at the event
- Guaranteed coach parking on hard standing
- Frequent shuttle bus service to the Fayre for coach drivers
- Toilet facilities for drivers at the coach park
- Escorted in convoy to ensure you are on time for passenger collection
How to pre-book coach and minibus arrangements
In order to complete the new online form you will need to state your preference for arrival/departure times. We will book your slot on a first-come-first-served basis. If the requested arrival/departure time is not available the nearest time slot, within 30 minutes, will automatically be allocated.
To help ensure a pleasant visitor experience at the Victorian Fayre the number of coaches has been capped to 50 per day.
Payments
This year to reduce the administration process we are asking for payment when you book. Therefore please ensure you have your payment details to hand when placing the booking. Once capacity has been reached we will be unable to accept any additional coaches, even if received before the closing date.
The fees remain the same from 2022, detailed below.
| Date | Day Rate per coach (inc VAT) |
|---|---|
| Thursday 28 Nov 2024 | £50.00 |
| Friday 29 Nov 2024 | £60.00 |
| Saturday 30 Nov 2024 | £85.00 |
| Sunday 1 Dec 2024 | £60.00 |
Any coach arriving at the fayre that has not pre-booked will be treated as a fly coach and charged accordingly
Once the booking has been placed, you will receive a summary of your booking and payment via email. Therefore please ensure your email address is completed correctly on the form, and check your junk mailbox if the confirmation email is not received in your inbox. The Administrator will then confirm your preferred time by email and this may be subject to change.
Cancellations
A refund of the coach booking fee less a £20 cancellation fee will be granted in the event of a cancellation being received in writing before 3pm on Friday 4 October 2024. No refunds will be granted after this date.
If the event is cancelled before Friday 4 October 2024 you will receive a full refund.
Arrangements for coaches and minibuses
Please note that normal city centre coach arrangements operated throughout the year are suspended during the Fayre due to the increased volume of arrivals. All coaches and minibuses arriving in Worcester City Centre during the dates of the event must therefore book in advance and use the allocated coach drop-off zone as shown on the map provided. Failure to do so will result in a one-off charge of £144 per vehicle.
Dropping off or picking up passengers from any other roadside location in Worcester city centre will increase congestion and may lead to an enforcement penalty. You will also be unable to guarantee collection from the same location which can lead to passenger confusion.
Information for coach drivers and passengers
Approximately 10 days before the event, a coach confirmation pack will be sent directly to the coach company. This will include a map detailing the location of your passenger zone, confirmation of the arrival and departure times, designated coach park information and a coach pass.
The coach pass must be displayed in the front window of the coach at all times.
Entry to the passenger zone and coach park will only be granted if the pass is displayed. If you are bringing more than one coach, you will be issued with a pass for each coach. Please ensure the correct pass is displayed in the appropriate coach window. Once you have received an information pack you will be unable to change your departure time.
Arriving at the Fayre
Follow the signs and the map provided to your designated passenger zone on City Walls Road. A steward will meet you and give programmes and information to your passengers. Once all disembarked, coaches will then proceed directly to the coach park. Please follow the instructions given and do not use your Sat Nav.
At the Coach Park
Your coach will be directed to park onsite (all hard standing). You are able to stay on your coach or take advantage of the free shuttle bus to and from the city centre. Toilet facilities are available at the coach park.
Departing the Coach Park
It is recommended that coach drivers liaise with the steward on duty at the coach park as some drivers may be given specific movement instructions. Coaches will depart in convoy mode to their designated pick-up zone. Further instructions will be given at the coach park.
Collecting passengers
Passengers are to be collected from the designated zones at the specified time unless otherwise instructed by the police/steward. Please do not encourage passengers to arrive earlier than their designated pick-up time as this can cause congestion and safety issues on the roadside. Should any passengers not be waiting at the zone at the departure time, your coach will be directed to a holding area to wait as long as possible.