Heritage buses to roll out as Wrightbus launches 80th anniversary celebrations with Stormont rally

Pic: Phill McAlinney at Irish Transport Heritage

Dozens of historic and modern buses will take to the roads of Northern Ireland this weekend as leading manufacturer Wrightbus marks the start of its 80th anniversary year with a major public rally culminating at Stormont.

The large-scale event on Saturday, April 25 will see a convoy of heritage buses and coaches travel from the Ulster Transport Museum in Cultra to the Stormont estate, bringing together decades of engineering history alongside the company’s latest zero-emission vehicles.

Landmark rally to showcase 80 years of engineering

Running from 10am to 5pm, the rally is set to attract transport enthusiasts, families and industry figures, with vehicles on display spanning generations of Wrightbus production.

The event will begin at the Ulster Transport Museum before the convoy departs for Stormont, where buses are expected to arrive at approximately 12.30pm.

Organisers say the rally will offer a rare opportunity to see both classic models and cutting-edge designs in one place, reflecting the company’s evolution from post-war manufacturing roots to a global leader in sustainable transport.

A free shuttle service, operated by preserved buses, will run throughout the day, allowing attendees to experience the vehicles first-hand. A dedicated Wrightbus anniversary tour will also depart at 12pm as part of the celebrations.

Industry milestone with local economic impact

The anniversary marks a significant milestone for the Ballymena-based manufacturer, which has played a central role in Northern Ireland’s industrial landscape for decades.

Founded in 1946, Wrightbus has been responsible for major innovations including aluminium bus framing and low-floor technology, as well as producing the iconic London ‘Boris’ bus and the world’s first hydrogen double-decker.

The company’s recent history includes its rescue from administration in 2019, when it was acquired by Jo Bamford. Since then, the business has rebuilt and expanded, now employing around 2,300 people across its global operations and supporting a further 7,500 jobs within its supply chain.

Celebrating heritage while looking to the future

John McLeister, Managing Director of Sales for UK and Ireland at Wrightbus, said the event is both a celebration of the company’s past and a statement about its future direction.

“This event is a fantastic way to celebrate 80 years of Wrightbus and to bring together the community of enthusiasts, operators and partners who have supported us over the decades,” he said.

“At the same time, this milestone is about looking forward as much as looking back. From heritage models to our latest zero-emission buses, this event showcases how far we’ve come and where we are heading as we continue to lead innovation in sustainable transport.

“We are incredibly proud of our roots here in Northern Ireland. Wrightbus has been at the heart of local manufacturing, supporting skilled jobs and building vehicles that have served communities across the UK and Ireland, as well as further afield.”

He added:

“For 80 years, Wrightbus has proudly been at the forefront of manufacturing, leading innovation in the industry while supporting thousands of jobs at our factory and across the wider supply chain in Ireland and throughout the UK.

“Every bus we produce is designed, engineered, built, tested and delivered from our factory in Northern Ireland to customers across the globe, and we remain committed to investing in the future of clean, efficient public transport.”

Travel advice and visitor information

Organisers have advised that parking at the Ulster Transport Museum will be limited, with visitors encouraged to use public transport where possible.

A half-hourly train service operates between Belfast and Cultra, while Ulsterbus services from Laganside Buscentre stop outside the museum.

The event, coordinated by Irish Transport Heritage, will include refreshments, static displays of vehicles old and new, and accessible transport links for attendees.

For further information or enquiries, organisers can be contacted via email at irishtransportheritage1591@gmail.com.

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At a glance

• Wrightbus launches its 80th anniversary year with a major rally on Saturday, April 25

• Dozens of heritage and modern buses will travel from Cultra to Stormont

• Event runs from 10am to 5pm, with convoy arriving at Stormont around 12.30pm

• Free shuttle buses and a special anniversary tour at 12pm available

• Wrightbus founded in 1946 and now employs 2,300 people globally

• Additional 7,500 jobs supported through its supply chain

• Event organised by Irish Transport Heritage

• Limited parking at Ulster Transport Museum; public transport recommended

• Half-hourly train service from Belfast and Ulsterbus links available

• Enquiries: irishtransportheritage1591@gmail.com