The Volvo Owners’ Club Northern Rally & BKV moved to an exciting new venue for 2026, with members gathering at Tennants Auctioneers in Leyburn, North Yorkshire for a hugely enjoyable day of Volvos, friendship and Club camaraderie.
After many successful years at Wetherby, the decision was taken to find a new home for the Northern Rally following the retirement of the event’s previous marshals. Tennants proved to be an excellent choice, offering extensive hardstanding for the cars, superb facilities and an impressive building providing a striking backdrop to the event.
The Rally was also changed to a one-day format for 2026, and the new approach certainly proved popular. Despite a rather uncertain weather forecast in the days beforehand, conditions were kind to us and members began arriving well before the official start. By 10.30am more than 20 cars were already in the arena, with numbers continuing to build throughout the morning.
One of the biggest successes of the day was undoubtedly the hospitality provided by Tennants. Members were treated to complimentary hot drinks and breakfast rolls, with the quality and quantity of the catering receiving excellent feedback. A number of members also took the opportunity to enjoy Tennants’ Sunday lunch, which proved equally popular.
As always, the Rally provided the perfect opportunity to catch up with old friends, make new ones and admire an excellent selection of Volvos. A total of 44 cars entered the BKV competition, with the standard of entries exceptionally high.
Congratulations go to Kam Srih, who was runner-up with his superb V70R, while Darren Broadbent took the overall honours with his spectacular C70.
The traditional Rally raffle was also a great success, with some excellent prizes generously donated. Particular thanks go to Riverside Volvo, Hull, who donated an extremely generous £250 voucher. The lucky winner was Kevin Devine, whose tickets were being safely looked after by Di Pool while he finished his Sunday lunch!
A fantastic £325 was raised for Legend on the Bench, the Volvo Owners’ Club’s chosen charity for 2026, helping support its work promoting mental health awareness and suicide prevention.
Events such as the Northern Rally are ultimately made special by the members who support them, and we were delighted to see people travelling considerable distances to join us.
Special thanks go to Kevin, Colin and Jim, who have supported the Northern Rally for almost 30 years and once again travelled down from Oban. Sam also made the journey all the way from Essex in his beautiful 1800E, while Matty left Gloucester at 4.00am to bring his stunning and increasingly rare S40 T4 to Leyburn. Their enthusiasm and commitment epitomise the fantastic spirit of the Volvo Owners’ Club.
The feedback following the event was overwhelmingly positive, and there was a very clear consensus that Tennants should become the home of the Northern Rally once again.
Our thanks go to Tennants, everyone who helped organise and run the event, those who donated raffle prizes and, most importantly, every member who attended and helped make the first Northern Rally at Leyburn such a success.
We look forward to welcoming even more members back to Tennants next year.
