The 2009 - 2016 annual Clacton Bus Rally was organised by members of Colne Estuary Preserved Buses (CEPB). As many as 50 buses converged on the car park of Clacton Factory Outlet Village on the first Sunday after the late May Bank Holiday. Many were preserved historical vehicles representing fleets from all over the country. Some were over 70 years old and still going strong. At the other end of the spectum, local bus and coach operators took the opportunity to show off their most modern vehicles. The rally attracted up to 3,000 local people and visitors.

Some of the preserved buses, including open-toppers, gave free rides to Clacton's station and town centre, and along the seafront or scenic routes to neighbouring villages. Older visitors told us they enjoy riding the more vintage buses for nostalgia reasons. Meanwhile, younger generations enjoyed riding older buses because it was 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.

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.

Previous Years' Clacton Bus Rallies

2016 Clacton Bus Rally
2015 Clacton Bus Rally
2014 Clacton Bus Rally
2013 Clacton Bus Rally
2012 Clacton Bus Rally
2011 Clacton Bus Rally
2010 Clacton Bus Rally
2009 Clacton Bus Rally