The annual Clacton Bus Rally is organised by members of Colne Estuary Preserved Buses (CEPB). As many as 50 buses converge on the car park of Clacton Factory Outlet Village on the first Sunday after the late May Bank Holiday. Many are preserved historical vehicles representing fleets from all over the country. Some are over 70 years old and still going strong. At the other end of the spectum, local bus and coach operators take the opportunity to show off their most modern vehicles. The rally attracts up to 3,000 local people and visitors.

Some of the preserved buses, including open-toppers, give free rides to Clacton's station and town centre, and along the seafront or scenic routes to neighbouring villages. Older visitors have told us they enjoy riding the more vintage buses for nostalgia reasons. Meanwhile, the younger generations enjoy riding older buses because it's a completely different experience from modern vehicles - boarding a bus at the back to see the driver high up in his cab at the front is a novelty for them.

2016 Entry List
Bus Routes (PDF) (please note that these may change)

CEPB's open-top Southdown Queen Mary (BUF 426C), and visiting open-toppers from nearby collections, are always favourites to ride on. The 1960s and 1970s coaches show what used to be considered the height of luxury on longer journeys! The preserved Eastern National vehicles generate nostalgia among visitors who remember travelling on them. For fans of the London scene, there are usually several Routemasters and RTs present. In past years, the rally has hosted vehicles that originally operated in Sunderland and in Jersey. In previous years, a visiting NYPD police car was a favourite attraction for youngsters.

While enthusiasts and the simply curious visit the bus displays and chat to the owners, or browse the stalls, there's plenty for friends and family to do. Shopping, snacks and catering are available in the Factory Outlet. It's a short bus ride to the seafront shops and amusements.

The CEPB stall has CEPB postcards, badges and fridge magnets for sale and secondhand transport-related books, models and magazines. For non-enthusiast family members, we usually have some non-transport-related DVDs, CDs and puzzles on the stall as well. All proceeds go towards the cost of running the Clacton Rally.

FEEDER SERVICES

Full details nearer the date.

There will be a feeder to the Clacton bus rally it will be the X2 and will call at the following stops but only on request:
THERE WILL BE NO SERVICE FROM BRENTWOOD STATION!
Gravesend station 7:50
Bluewater bus station 8:05
Lakeside bus station 08:25
Brentwood high street - by request only
Shenfield station - by request only
Colchester north station 9:55
Then straight to factory outlet via Clacton town and Clacton station
Please note if you require to be collected from one of the stops please contact Tom on 07583031711 or thomasjames25@live.com

RALLY ONE-WAY SYSTEM

If you're planning to turn upon the day, or you need to leave during the rally, please note there is a one way system for site safety. A rally marshal will help direct you.

HOW TO FIND US

The postcode for your sat-nav is CO15 4TL.

Clacton Bus Rally Sponsors

Clacton Factory Outlet
Fashion, footwear, sportswear, jewellery, household items, outdoor equipment, books and more. This "shopping village" has excellent parking, covered cycle racks, parent-and-baby facilities, and good disabled access with free wheelchair loan available. No dogs allowed in the Factory Outlet except for registered guide/assistance dogs. Check out their website for details of other events held throughout the year.

A Barham & Sons
A small but professional company offering engineering solutions to the bus and coach industry throughout London, East Anglia and the southeast: light body repairs, electrics and inspections through to engine rebuilds, service contracts and MoT preparation work. In addition to the White Roding workshop, the company offers competitively priced mobile engineering services across London and the South East of England. Many of the CEPB buses are mechanically maintained by A Barham & Sons.