The Big Bus Show Brings Transport Nostalgia to Stonham Barns Park!

The Big Bus Show will see a collection of around 100 historic and modern buses – and other vehicles featuring transport through time – on display for enthusiasts of all ages to enjoy. The show will feature buses ranging from the 1930s to the present day.

New for 2024 will be a selection of model displays on show too.

Visitors to the show will have the opportunity to vote for the Best in Show Bus during the day, an accolade that is sought by many a bus owner, and there will also be awards for Best Bus Operator and Best-Preserved Bus. With an array of trade stands including those selling transport memorabilia, a variety of food and drink vendors and showground attractions too, this is a fun and educational event for all the family.  The hobby of bus following has been highlighted recently by Norfolk bus enthusiast Reece Collison who has become a social media name after being featured on BBC Radio 1.

This year’s bus show will be brought to the public exclusively by Eastern Counties Bus Preservation Group who will bring some of their vehicles to the show.  There will be regular bus entry updates on their website www.easterncountiesbusgroup.co.uk. For entries go to https://thebigbusshow.co.uk/

Said Jamie Vendy, ‘We are very honoured to be solo hosting the event this year. Our presence and following has drawn many visitors and the event is now growing in size and scope year on year.’

‘Our group represents the era of buses from the 1990s in Norfolk and Suffolk so it is very much at the heart of the event. The group is led by myself as Chairman and I always spent weeks holidaying in the Norfolk & Suffolk area as a child in the 1990s.’ 

‘Needless to say, I didn’t think it would result in me running a bus charity. Supported by my wife Kaylee we very much look forward to bringing more joy wit the event this year.’

‘It’s all about the nostalgia of transport and bringing some delightfully restored buses to the event where they can be seen and enjoyed by all.’

A free regular bus shuttle service will be running to and from Stowmarket railway station on the day so that people who use public transport can get to and from the event.  There will also be a collection/drop service from Mid Suffolk Light Railway Museum at Wetheringsett and Top Flight Light Railway from Reepham will be exhibiting a Portable Railway with Miniature Engines hauling trains throughout the day.

Says organiser and bus owner Richard Ward, ‘The Big Bus Show is a show for bus enthusiasts of all ages, traders and anyone who has ever brought a ticket to ride!  It’s the third only bus show for Stonham Barns Park although vintage vehicles and car shows are an integral part of the event calendar.’

Explaining his connection to the preservation of buses, Richard explains: ‘My Dad used to work for London Buses and so I was raised in a family with a keen interest in buses!’

‘Restoring buses to their former glory is something many people do.  It’s therapy really.  It takes your mind off the stresses and strains of modern life.  It’s all absorbing and I will be joining the other exhibitors – showing my 2003 Dennis Dart at the event.’

‘Many owners are coming forwards, but we could always do with more exhibits and traders so would welcome more if they were out there!’

The classic Red 2003 Dennis Dart London Bus on show operated the 394 Route in London from Homerton Hospital to Islington Angel.

To book tickets for the Stonham Barns Park Big Bus Show call 01449 711 111. Alternatively, tickets are available online at www.stonhambarns.co.uk

Stonham Barns Park is a day out for all the family to suit all ages, other activities include The Suffolk Owl Sanctuary, Legends Sports Bar, Café 24 coffee shop and restaurant, Adventure Golf, Footgolf, the Teapot Pottery and Tearooms, a nine-hole golf course, adventure golf and footgolf, holiday lodges, a caravan park, camping and glamping, and fishing lakes.

Visitors to the show can stay on the Stonham Barns Park campsite, bringing their own tent, caravan or motorhome.  There are also luxury bell tents, and luxury holiday homes that sleep up to 4 or 6 guests.  Bookings can be made by calling 01449 711901 or visit www.stonhambarns.co.uk