The Leyland National 52 Transport Festival returns to Whitehaven Harbour as the locally built buses take centre stage.

Volunteers from Workington Transport Heritage Trust are back on the harbour-side for their third heritage transport rally on Saturday-Sunday 4-5 May.

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

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. 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.”

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

This popular 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 our sponsors Whitehaven Town Council, Cumberland Council, The Beacon Museum, Lakes College, Stagecoach, DRS and Dobies Cumbria Charitable Trust.