Families came out and braved the weather as they enjoyed riding on some amazing vintage buses around Southport as they raised funds for Elsie’s Story on Sunday (29th March 2026).
The second Southport Heritage Running Day was organised by kind-hearted volunteers from the North West Vehicle Restoration Trust, along with their friends and supporters.
This special day was the perfect way to start the school Easter holidays in Southport.
The event ran between 10am and 5pm with people able to experience riding around Southport on some beautifully-restored vintage buses from the 1950s to the present day.
Elsie’s Story founder Jenni Stancombe and other representatives from the charity were among visitors to the event.
A 24-page, full colour programme and guide was available on the day for £5 with details of what was running on the day.
The programmes were paid for through NWVRT donations and membership. As a trust they don’t make a penny from this event.
Fuel and vehicles were being generously provided by bus owners.
Donations to Elsie’s Story were welcomed with volunteers accepting donations through collection buckets.
A series of buses were running from the Promenade near Silcock’s Funland on different routes around Southport with destinations including Ainsdale; Crossens; and the Botanic Gardens in Churchtown.
The routes included Route 30 which headed to Southport Model Engineering Club at Victoria Park on Rotten Row, where they were also raising funds for Elsie’s Story, with Elsie’s Story candles on sale. Passengers were able to enjoy a vintage bus ride and then a ride on a miniature steam train too!
Route 27 operated from Southport Train Station, working in collaboration with trains from Liverpool to Southport on the Merseyrail network.
North West Vehicle Restoration Trust Secretary James Rowlands said:
“We’re back home after a long but brilliant day.
“Thank you to all who came and supported us on Sunday. The weather was awful but it didn’t put you off and the pictures online show an enjoyable day.
“The support for our chosen charity Elsie’s Story has been amazing from individuals and businesses alike.
“This is the reason we did this and love supporting this brilliant charity.
“Thank you to the vehicle owners who let everyone ride on their pride and joys, especially with the price of fuel at the moment. Just superb and kind.
“Our team worked hard making the event what it was and giving their time too.
“The three pictures that sum the day up for me are here. Not the buses, the people. If you bought a programme or made a donation you can be assured it is money well donated and is appreciated.
“The team are having a well earned rest, and are back on Sunday 7th June 2026 for our annual Open Day at Kirkby.”
James added:
“I’d like to say big thanks to our team who turned up at Kirkby and worked hard preparing buses for our Southport event.
“We had loads of really fantastic buses on Sunday, and we really appreciate the support from their owners.”
Last year the Trust raised over £3,000 for Elsie’s Story through this event.
Southport Heritage Running Day is a unique opportunity to relive the good olds days and reminisce while bringing back memories – or for children to be able to travel on these historic buses for the first time.
Buses were running from the Promenade throughout the day between 10am and 5pm with a static bus display on the coach park at the Esplanade park and ride site next to Victoria Park in Southport.
The North West Air Ambulance team were at Southport Running Day with a stand near the Marine Lake Events Centre site along with the Merseyside Police Travelsafe team.
The North West Vehicle Restoration Trust (NWVRT) was officially set up in 2011 to bring together people with a common interest in the saving and restoration of historic vehicles, and associated items along with keeping restoration skills alive for future generations.
The Trust is based in Kirkby. Their aim is to actively engage local people into the insight of the historic development of vehicles through the eras.
- For more details about the North West Vehicle Restoration Trust visit: nwvrt.com
- For more details about Elsie’s Story visit: Elsie’s Story | Creating Smiles. Cherishing Memories. Spreading Hope.
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