Original King Alfred Running Day returns on 6 May

On 6 May, the Original King Alfred Running Day in Winchester is to return.

The Friends of King Alfred Buses will be operating 14 buses from its collection, the largest number in its almost 40-year history.  Alongside these Winchester-based buses and coaches the Friends will be welcoming some 28 visiting vehicles so that altogether more than 40 historic vehicles will be offering free rides in and around the city on the first Bank Holiday in May.

Buses ranging from 95 years old to the most modern one, built as recently as 2002, will be in operation, all completely free of charge.

As well as the gathering of buses around the King Alfred statue, there will also 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.

Thousands of people are expected in the city to join the event, according to the organisers. A souvenir Programme/Timetable will shortly be available, priced at £15 in advance or on the day. Sales of these programmes provides funding to support the day’s activities and the wider work of the Friends of King Alfred Buses registered charity.

Alongside the usual range of destinations in and around Winchester, the popular circular service to the historic Twyford Waterworks features again this year, running every half-hour.  This coincides with an open day at the Waterworks where the organisers are offering each holder of a King Alfred programme one free admission.

FoKAB’s founder and chairman, James Freeman, said: “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 in one form or another every year since 1983!”