VOLUNTEERS from Workington Transport Heritage Trust will be back at Whitehaven Harbour for their third heritage transport rally. 

There will be lots of buses on show running free services around the town, to St Bees, and further afield, with a frequent park-and-ride service from Lakes College. 

The event will be running on the May Day Bank Holiday Weekend on Saturday, May 4, and Sunday, May 5. 

The weekend features a display of locally restored and preserved buses including several Leyland Nationals built at Lillyhall.  As well as the Trust's own collection, vehicles will be visiting from Scotland and northern England.

Trust chairman Ian Dunn says, "This is a celebration of the bus industry, particularly those vehicles built at Leyland's factory at Lillyhall for use all around the world."

The event first took place back in 2022 which marked 50 years since the buses were made in the Lillyhall and Whitehaven area. 

The first event was a major success and there was a keen interest from the crowds who attended. 

Michael Morton, who organises the Leyland National Bus event, said back in 2022: "We've had massive interest, not only from enthusiasts but the general public too.

"I think this will be something big for Whitehaven and it's already turning into quite the event."

Mr Dunn continued: "Our volunteers have spent many hours restoring and maintaining our heritage fleet to get buses ready for the public to enjoy this weekend and for many years to come.”

This family event is open from 10am each day, with free admission and travel on the buses.

It is complemented by an exhibition at The Beacon's Portal, historic photographs of the harbour and town displayed on buses parked on Lowther Street and beside the Hub, sales, and refreshment stands, and a specially converted bar bus.  

A local producers and continental market, and a children’s fairground will complement the entertainment on both days.

Leyland National 52 has been supported by the local community, especially by the team's sponsors Whitehaven Town Council, Cumberland Council, The Beacon Museum, Lakes College, Stagecoach, DRS, and Dobies Cumbria Charitable Trust.