Buses Festival 2023 is promising to be a great day out at the close of the summer holidays, with the event offering several new attractions as it returns to Sywell Aerodrome, Northamptonshire for a second year on Sunday, September 3.

As well as the usual line-up of preserved and modern buses and coaches, this year’s event will take full advantage of its aeronautical home. A flypast of resident warbird aircraft is planned, offering a rare opportunity to observe heritage aircraft from the Second World War in flight, alongside the many preserved vehicles on the ground.

James Day, Editor of Buses Magazine, said: “Sywell Aerodrome is an excellent venue, and we enjoyed a successful first year running our festival at the venue last year.

“This year, I’m thrilled we have secured a flypast from aircraft based at the aerodrome, taking full advantage of what the venue can offer.

“Combined with the beautifully preserved vehicles constructed over the last 90 years, there is something for everyone at Buses Festival this year, and you don’t need to have a passion for passenger transport to enjoy the event.”

Visitors can examine dozens of vehicles from decades of passenger service. Some vehicles have been preserved from as far back as the 1930s, while others are modern day top-pf-the-range zero emission vehicles, leading the fight against climate change through both sustainable travel and clean power.

The UK has enjoyed a strong domestic bus manufacturing industry for decades, so most of the vehicles expected this year, new are old, were built in this country. The event is a great opportunity to see an evolution of British vehicle design over the years. Guests can travel on board many of these vehicles, which will run on festival bus routes around the surrounding area throughout the day. Shuttle bus services are also provided to and from Northampton and Wellingborough railway stations.

The event’s guest speaker this year is Leon Daniels OBE. A former Surface Transport Managing Director at Transport for London and a lifelong bus enthusiast, he will provide fascinating behind the scenes insight from his long career in the bus industry.

On site catering is provided, including ice cream vans, hog roast and the venue’s own Aviator Hotel restaurant. Little Pumpkin’s Face Painting is in attendance for younger visitors.

To book discounted advance tickets, visit www.keybuses.com/buses-festival