WINCHESTER-based bus charity, Friends of King Alfred Buses has confirmed details of its annual King Alfred Running Day in and around the city on Bank Holiday Monday, May 7.

A bevy of traditional King Alfred buses up to 87 years old, will be taking passengers on traditional routes throughout Winchester and Southampton on Bank Holiday Monday May 7, in company with some 20 or so buses from other local operators.

Free bus services will operate from Winchester Broadway starting at 9.30am till 5pm, covering most of the traditional King Alfred routes plus those of neighbouring historic bus companies such as Aldershot & District and Hants & Dorset.

The independently-owned King Alfred bus company operated until 1973.

There will be the usual transport hub in Winchester Guildhall, open between 10am and 4pm, while at the Cattle Market Car Park there will be a static display of historic vehicles with a frequent free bus service to and from central Winchester.

Plentiful car parking will be available at St Catherine’s Park & Ride with frequent free buses to and from the city centre.

Friends of King Alfred Buses’s founder and chairman, James Freeman 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. This time we have chosen to take advantage of the May Day bank holiday on Monday May 7 which we believe will be very popular.”

The event was traditionally held on New Year’s Day but the mix of veteran vehicles and freezing temperatures was sometimes not a happy one. Holding it in May should ensure better weather for the old engines.