Preparations are now well in hand for FoKAB’s main event of the year, the King Alfred Winchester Big Bus Day, which is taking place as usual on the Mayday Bank Holiday, 4 May 2026.
The organisers are hoping for a sunny day as thousands of people are expected to flock to the Broadway to enjoy free rides on the King Alfred buses, but also a whole range of other old buses – each one a nostalgic reminder of yesteryear!
Free bus rides will start from the time-honoured departure point on Broadway for King Alfred services, while the other buses will start their runs at the St Catherine’s Park & Ride site, picking up at the Guildhall on their way. All the details will be contained in the customary high-standard, fully illustrated souvenir programme created for FoKAB by Best Impressions, a leading design house in the British bus industry.
More than sixty FoKAB members will be volunteering their services in all kinds of roles, from driving and conducting, through marshalling to the all-important programme sales.
All the journeys are free, and the costs of providing the day are recouped through sales of the programme at £15 each. This year sees price rises all around, so it’s doubly important that visitors support this event by buying a programme.
Alongside King Alfred, Winchester’s bus scene of yesteryear included several other operators. Principal amongst these was Hants & Dorset Motor Services, but sixty years ago you’d have seen buses in Winchester belonging to Aldershot & District and also Wilts & Dorset. FoKAB is directing more attention at the local history of Hants & Dorset these days and there will be several genuine H & D buses in operation on the day, alongside all the others recapturing bus rides of yesteryear! Visiting buses are brought by their owners from far and wide. A welcome visitor this year is a Leyland Tiger single-decker brought from the East Midlands by the Delaine Heritage Trust for the day.
For those who like browsing for bargains, the Enthusiasts’ Bazaar is happening once again in Busket’s Yard, just beside the Broadway behind the bus station. All kinds of transport-related books, models and transport ephemera will be available!
New this year is a performance by the Winchester Morris Men at the Abbey Gardens in the morning, after which the dancers will be transported by vintage bus to the Flower Pots Inn at Cheriton to dance some more!
To order a Programme in advance, please visit www.kingalfredbuses.org.uk/ or write to FoKAB, 13 Ashley Close, Winchester, SO22 6LR, enclosing a cheque for £16 to include post and packing.
Photo Credit David Shadbolt
