Reading Buses are inviting all bus fans, families and residents that they are hosting their annual open day this Sunday, June 30.
Also known as ‘The Family Fun Day’, their open day is one of the most popular local events on the calendar.
The company opens their doors to try and provide a fun, entertaining day of behind-the-scenes tours, food and general merriment.
Doors open at 11am at their depot in Great Knollys Street – with a free shuttle bus running every 20 minutes from the town centre to the site, with the first journey from town starting at Friar Street at 10.45am.
Visitors can buy tickets for tours of the workshop and control rooms as well as a ride on the open top bus.
Food and refreshments are available with a barbecue, Indian Punjabi food, cakes and more.
There are games for kids and plenty of buses and memorabilia for bus enthusiasts.
There’s also the chance to have your name on the front of a bus, sit in the driver’s seat and see the fabled bus rainbow.
Robert Williams, Reading Buses chief executive officer, said: “Our favourite day of the year has come round once more, our open day.
“We usually welcome hundreds, if not thousands, of visitors on site between 11am and 4pm. We kick the day off with a ribbon cutting by the Mayor of Reading and then the fun begins.
“There’s plenty to keep families and individuals entertained and all profit on the day goes to our Charity of the Year, The Royal Berkshire Charity, who will also be in attendance.”
“Cash and contactless payment will be available. So visitors can give generously to our charity whilst having some bus themed fun.”
Robert also advised that there will be a brand-new Alexander Dennis electric bus on display, vintage buses and the usual end-of-day cavalcade of buses.
He continued: “We have a few vintage buses on display that people can take photos of – although unlike our more modern buses, these are for display only and can’t be boarded.
“There is also the cavalcade at 4pm as we drive a selection of our most colourful buses through the town centre so people can get some wonderful final pictures and videos.”
The company reiterated that there is no parking at the depot so people should make their way to the town centre and then either walk to the depot or take advantage of the free shuttle bus.
