Where are the Riders in the UK in January

With Christmas over, the UK swings into a different kind of gear. Focus shifts to shopping sales and staying out of winter weather. Demand for rides rises as the temperatures fall.

Good business is where you find it, but where you look is critical. At INSHUR we look for ways to help you make more money – revealing where the crowds are is one of them. Many Uber drivers will be cruising for riders in all the same old places. But that’s way too competitive. Instead, we’ve searched for different ways to cash in on the big events and make the most of other busy spots that may get overlooked. Scoop up the riders that the others never see.

London

Life in the capital is always hectic. Christmas may be gone, but there are still thousands of events and millions of people on the move. Even in a city with abundant public transport and the highest concentration of Uber drivers in the country, rich pickings can be had by drivers who look beyond the obvious.

New Year’s Day Parade 2020

Event: UK’s biggest New Year street parade.

Where: Central London from Piccadilly to Birdcage Walk.

When: Weds, 1st Jan 2020.

Times: Noon ‘til 3.00pm.

More than 500,000 spectators pack streets, balconies and grandstands to view the nation’s biggest street parade on New Year’s Day. In its 34th year, over 10,000 performers from across the globe will come to strut their stuff, twirl their batons and float their balloons through the capital. Knowing the route will help you locate the greatest groups of people Map. With a start time of noon and a three-hours running order, many viewers will be grateful for a ride when the fun winds down. Be on tap to take the weary somewhere warm to rest.

Insider’s scoop: Numerous roads are closed until 6.30pm. Best access to the parade is to the north of Piccadilly Circus via Soho or on the north-east side, to the east of Charing Cross Road. (See map).

Winter Lights at Canary Wharf

Event: Illuminated sculptures display.

Where: 1. Canada Square, Canary Wharf.

When: Thurs 16th to Sat 25th Jan 2020.

Times: 4.00pm to 10.00pm every day.

25 amazing illuminated sculptures and installations form the centrepiece of the Canary Wharf Winter Lights show. With interactive elements, food stalls, dancing fountains and the usual host of Docklands bars and restaurants, the show attracts fans and families and keeps office workers in the area long after work has ended. Poor public transport and slow riverboat service open a host of opportunities for drivers who stay close to the action.

Insider’s scoop: Find the biggest crowds around Cabot Square, Montgomery Square and Crossrail Place, as that’s where the Winter Lights Bites food and drink is centred.

Winter at Skylight Rooftop

Event: Europe’s only natural rooftop ice-rink.

Where: Penning Street, Tobacco Dock, Wapping.

When: From Christmas until Sat 25th Jan 2020.

Times: 5.00pm to 11.00pm.

It’s the only place in London where skaters can get a rooftop view, play hockey, snuggle in an igloo and eat and drink ‘til late. Skylight attracts partygoers to its frozen floor from November until January, but it’s at its busiest when the weather gets cold. Poor public transport makes this our second Docklands choice, and a natural hunting ground for drivers who want to make money when the mercury falls.

Insider’s scoop: 25th Jan is Skylight’s Burns Night – a landmark on the Scottish calendar and a perfect reason for many to taste a dram too many. Expect an abundance of partygoers who are unprepared for a long walk to the Tube.

Birmingham

The nation’s second-largest city provides abundant opportunities for drivers to make the most of the winter season. However, Brum is very much a car city, so the best sites for riders are where public parking is tough or expensive. The city centre is the place to be.

Hot Wheels Monster Trucks

Event: Monster Trucks derby.

Where: The Arena, King Edward’s Street, City Centre.

When: Friday, Jan 31st to Sun 2nd Feb 2020.

Times: Friday, 6.30pm, Sat 11.30am and 6.30pm, Sun 6.30pm. shows last approx. two hours.

Everyone who likes beefy trucks will gather at the Arena at the end of Jan to see the Hot Wheels Monster Trucks rev their way around a dirt and obstacle strewn circuit. With a Hot Wheels toys theme, plenty of noise and big visual impact, the show is a firm family favourite. The Arena is in an area with almost zero public transport and high-cost parking. Map. Many petrol-heads will come and go by taxi.

Insider’s scoop: The food and drink in the Arena is limited and expensive. Truck fans will head over to nearby Brindley Place to find better refreshments after the show.

Manchester

Manchester dives into 2020 with shows and events across the whole metro area. Riders will be out in droves, but once again, we’ve concentrated on a city centre opportunity.

Manchester Beer and Cider Festival 2020

Event: The North’s biggest beer and cider show.

Where: Manchester Central Convention Complex, Windmill Street.

When: Thurs 23rd to Sat 25th Jan 2020.

Times: Noon to 10.30pm Thurs and Fri, noon to 7.00pm Sat.

The Manchester Beer and Cider Fest returns in 2020 with a special Northern Brews theme. A bar wider than a football pitch and featuring 175 handpumps will serve the best beers and ciders from the northern regions of the UK. Any event with alcohol as the main attraction will convince fans to leave their cars at home. Expect high demand for taxis when last orders are over.

Insider’s scoop: Weds 22nd features a trade night for CAMRA and SPBW members only. 5pm to 9pm. It is also preceded at 4.30pm by a special reception for Women in Cider, a recognition of the role of women in the production of this heady drink.

Glasgow

Scotland’s biggest city has no shortage of events to attract the crowds. Markets, shows, funfairs and things to entertain keep the city humming.

Scotland’s Speciality Food Show

Event: Scotland’s only trade show for speciality foods.

Where: SEC Centre, Exhibition Way, Glasgow G3 8YW.

When: Sun 19th Jan to Tues 21st Jan 2020.

Times: 9.30am to 5.30pm Sun and Mon, 9.30am to 4.30pm Tues.

Scotland’s Specialty Food Show returns for 2020, featuring products from more than 170 unique food and drink suppliers. Strictly for the trade, over 4,500 industry visitors are expected to jam Hall 4 at the SEC for the full three days. Business visitors are never keen on public transport, and many will have come to Glasgow by train or plane. They’ll need a local driver to get them back to hotel or home.

Insider’s scoop: Ask your rider to meet you at the taxi pick-up area outside the SEC Armadillo on Congress Way.