The Winchester-based Friends of King Alfred Buses (FoKAB) has confirmed details of its Original King Alfred Buses Running Day in and around the city on May 1.

A 1929 Leyland Lion single-decker will head the line-up of a dozen King Alfred buses representing the local company which closed 50 years ago, at the end of April 1973. 

They will all be giving rides over the old King Alfred routes, in company with a wide range of heritage buses and coaches originating from other local operators.

Free bus services will operate based on Winchester Broadway and the St Catherine’s Park & Ride car park between approximately 9am and 4.30pm covering most of the traditional King Alfred routes plus those of neighbouring historic companies such as Aldershot & District and Hants & Dorset.

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There will be the usual King Alfred sales stand, open between 10am and 4pm, whilst at St Catherine’s there will be a static display of historic vehicles with a frequent free bus service to/from central Winchester.      

James Freeman, FoKAB’s founder and chairman, said: “It’s time once again to give our many friends and supporters a chance to relive the best years of the King Alfred buses and coaches.  

“Come with us to experience what it was like to ride on them and their contemporaries. In 2023 we are offering something very special with the return to Hampshire of a 1929 Leyland Lion, which originated with Hants & Dorset and following many changes of ownership has now been extensively restored. 

“On May 1 it will be almost 50 years to the day since the last King Alfred bus ran into the depot – who would have believed then that so many buses would have been rescued and brought back to the city to remind us all of their past service?”