In an unexpected turn, the Showbus event is to make a surprise comeback in 2024. It will be held on Sunday 29 September at the Buckinghamshire Railway Centre in Quainton.
Longstanding organiser Dr Martin Isles previously announced that 2022’s Showbus would act as a farewell for the rally on its 50th anniversary. Over 250 vehicles, many entered by operators, attended that gathering. Dr Isles says that his change of heart came after he was subsequently approached by several organisations that wished to continue Showbus.
Dr Isles will be involved initially with Showbus’s rebirth at Quainton, but the heritage railway’s own team will take on the tasks of registering vehicles, selling tickets, preparing the site, and ensuring that the event runs smoothly.
“The emphasis, as ever, will be on providing a fabulous display of coaches and buses, and we therefore encourage everyone to prepare their vehicles and register them using the Buckinghamshire Railway Centre’s registration form, which can be found on its website,” says Marketing Manager Louisa Richards.
Showbus has long been the UK’s largest coach and bus rally and saw over 500 entries at its peak. For some years held at the Imperial War Museum Duxford, it more recently changed location, with mixed success. However, the event has consistently drawn strong support from members of the coach and bus industry.
Some vehicles in attendance in 2024 will offer rides, and the 70th anniversary of the AEC Routemaster will be celebrated. To that end, a parade of those former London buses will run from Aylesbury to the railway at 1200hrs.
Train rides behind a steam locomotive will be available on the day of Showbus and the railway’s museum will be open. Its miniature railway will also be in operation. In addition, connecting services will operate to and from Bicester Village shopping centre around 20 minutes away, and Aylesbury railway station. The Showbus Traders’ Village will also return in 2024.
Vehicle bookings can be made by phone on 01296 655720 or via email. Tickets are available via the railway’s website. Vehicle exhibitors, including the driver and up to five passengers, will be admitted free of charge.
