South East Bus Festival

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Well over 150 buses and coaches were entered in this year’s South East Bus Festival, part of the Heritage Transport Show held at the Kent Showground, on Saturday April 7 with just short of 70 of them not previously having been seen at the event. As in previous years, there was good support from operators across the southeast, not least Stagecoach London with one of its megasightseeing.com Dennis Trident open toppers although numerous privately preserved vehicles also attended.

Making its public debut in Chatham & District livery was this former Stagecoach London Alexander-bodied Dennis Trident now in the Nu-Venture of Aylesford fleet. DAVID BELL
A most unusual vehicle in preservation is this former British Aircraft Corporation 1956 Harrington-bodied Ford 502E which seat’s 20. DAVID BELL
Southdown PSV entered this new ADL Enviro400 MMC-bodied Scania N250UD which has USB charging points. DAVID BELL
New to Southdown in 1963, this Marshall-bodied Leyland Leopard is perhaps best remembered for being a long serving member of the Rules Coaches of Boxford fleet, but is now preserved in East Kent livery. DAVID BELL
Now fully restored, this former Maidstone & District 1956 lowbridge Park Royal-bodied AEC Regent V has been repatriated from Austria. DAVID BELL