“Everyone is welcome to come and see us and our cherished buses at Winchester Broadway and St Catherine’s park & ride from 0900 to 1700hrs on our most important running day of 2025,” says James Freeman, Chair of Friends of King Alfred Buses (FoKAB).
The full King Alfred fleet will be in operation on Bank Holiday Monday on 5 May, including coaches and pre-war vehicles, accompanied by the usual wide range of fascinating visiting vehicles. “There will be an intensive network of free bus services operating across the
city and surrounding areas with something for everyone, across all generations,” says the organisation. “Enthusiasts in bus preservation circles around Hampshire and more broadly across England have already marked this date in their diaries, and the public are being welcomed to come and join in the fun at the Original King Alfred Running Day.”
FoKAB says it plans to operate 15 vehicles from its collection, and will also be welcoming many visiting vehicles so that altogether up to 40 preserved coaches and buses will be offering free rides in and around the city. Says James: ”For bus enthusiasts and historians, as well as members of the public who just want to enjoy the beauty of a bus ride, this is the perfect way to enjoy a perfect day out, with volunteers who are passionate about preserving these vehicles for future generations to come.”
Buses ranging from 95 years old to the most modern one built as recently as 2002, will be providing nostalgic journeys, all without charge. Activity will centre on Winchester Broadway, in the shadow of the statue of Alfred the Great, whose likeness is carried on the side panels of the King Alfred buses. In addition, there will be more vintage buses on display at St Catherine’s park & ride site, from which a frequent shuttle service will operate to and from the Broadway. The well-loved transport bazaar also returns this year, too, located in Busket’s Yard, beside the bus station.
“Thousands of people are expected in the city to take advantage of the unique opportunities offered by this unique day to take a trip (or several) down Memory Lane,” says FoKAB. “All journeys are free. As usual, a comprehensive top quality souvenir programme will be available, priced at £15 in advance or on the day. Sales of these programmes provide vital funding to support the day’s activities and the wider work of the FoKAB charity.
“Alongside the usual range of destinations all around the city and its environs, the popular circular service to Twyford Waterworks Trust is featured again this year, running a vintage bus service to and from Winchester every half hour. This coincides with an open day at the venue and the organisers are offering each holder of a King Alfred Programme a free entry to the Waterworks.” James added: “We are looking forward to welcoming people not just from Winchester and Hampshire but from all over the country to this special event, which has been happening now in one form or another every year since 1983! We hope the weather will co-operate so that we can all enjoy a truly memorable day. We look forward to seeing everyone.”
