Millstores has confirmed Monday 26th January 2026 as the date for a dedicated coach-operator familiarisation event in Cleveleys, as part of its ongoing campaign to promote the town as a coach-friendly destination. Several operators, including some travelling from outside Lancashire, will be hosted the night before at Farington Lodge Hotel in Leyland, with Walton’s Coaches of Preston providing coach transport to and from Cleveleys on the day of the event. Steve Reed Tourism Ltd is co-ordinating the special visit. Coach operators are asked to reserve their places at the event by emailing steve@stevereedtourism.co.uk

The visit will include a tour of Cleveleys, a welcome at Millstores, and an introduction to the local ‘Care for Cleveleys’ group, led by Jane Littlewood, whose community work has been featured in the campaign’s promotional activities. The event has been organised as part of the next stage in the 'Coach-Friendly Cleveleys' initiative, supported by Millstores.

Simon Yates, joint owner of Millstores and one of the campaign's organisers, said: “It’s been great to see how much thought has gone into this. Everyone’s been working together to make sure the coach operators get a real sense of what Cleveleys has to offer - and why we think coach groups will love it here.”

The event follows the publication of survey results that captured widespread support from Cleveleys retailers for the return of coach-based tourism. Businesses reported that they see coach groups as a way to increase midweek trade and overall visitor spend, with many backing proposals for dedicated offers and enhanced facilities for group visitors.

Cleveleys has a longstanding history as a stop on the traditional coach tour circuit. The current campaign aims to revive that legacy and align with broader regional tourism strategies that identify coach travel as a tool to boost town centre economies. Retailers have also been encouraged to contribute to a local action plan to improve coordination and services for group visits. Jane Littlewood said: “We know the town is a popular destination for coach parties whose passengers enjoy the compact nature of the vibrant town, packed with cafes and a wide variety of retail stores. Our Care for Cleveleys volunteers work so hard to keep our public spaces attractive and inviting. We can’t wait to show it off – and our amazing new shop - to even more visitors.”

Jon Addis, joint owner of Millstores, added: “The build-up has been brilliant - there’s a real sense of momentum now. The coach operators will be able to see what we’re trying to build here, and hopefully they’ll see Cleveleys as a place worth coming back to, again and again.”

Millstores and organisers will gather feedback from coach operators following the January event and continue engaging with traders to shape future actions aimed at attracting group tourism to the town. Organisers are now encouraging more retailers to join the conversation and contribute to a town-wide action plan for coach group readiness. Anyone interested can view the survey and sign up for updates here: https://millstores.yourinfo.page/coach-friendly-cleveleys-report