EUROPE’S biggest gathering of classic and vintage buses takes place at Imperial War Museum Duxford on Sunday.

EUROPE’S biggest gathering of classic and vintage buses takes place at Imperial War Museum Duxford on Sunday (September).

Some 425 single and double-deckers will gather at Duxford this year for the unusual ShowBus.

In addition to presenting a wide range of displays and trade stands, ShowBus will be celebrating many bus-related anniversaries.

Midland Red buses celebrates its 50th anniversary with a spectacular parade of period buses, providing the centrepiece to the Red Run, a cavalcade of buses travelling from Trumpington Park & Ride, via Shelford, Stapleford and Sawston, arriving at IWM Duxford at approximately 11.45am. The cavalcade will parade through IWM Duxford to assemble in the centre of the display.

Together with Midland Red, other Midlands buses will take part in the Run and display at IWM Duxford to commemorate the 40 years since the Birmingham and Midland Motor Omnibus Company (BMMO) ceased building buses for its Midland Red fleet.

Daimler Fleetline is also celebrating its 50th anniversary at this year’s show. Celebrating 75 years in business are London’s Greenlines and Brighton, Hove & District Buses. ShowBus stalwart Lodge Coaches celebrates its 90th year in business. All companies will commemorate their respective anniversaries with celebratory displays at ShowBus.

As in previous years, there will be displays by Plaxton, Stagecoach, First and Arriva coaches and buses.

Visitors can enjoy a free scenic bus ride to Duxford village between 11.45am and 4.15pm from a bus stop in front of the American Air Museum. Priority is given to visitors who buy the ShowBus programme at the event.

EFE Models will be releasing special models in association with ShowBus on the day. Pop along to see them to get the first view of these intricate new bus models, one of which features adverts for EFE ShowBus International 2010 while the other is a new EFE casting.

With displays throughout the IWM Duxford site, ShowBus will be providing a free low floor shuttle bus running the length of the site between 11.00am and 4.15pm. The service will also be supplemented by some double-deckers to offer grandstand views of the displays.

Now a firm favourite on Duxford’s calendar, ShowBus continues to provide colour, spectacle and nostalgia. With the entire Museum open to visitors, there is plenty to see and do!

There is no extra cost for this event. Standard admission to Imperial War Museum Duxford applies. Children aged 15 or under go free when accompanied by an adult.