Free heritage event to mark vintage bus centenary

Midland Red's Coalville garage first opened in 1925

A transport event displaying vintage and modern buses will be held in Leicestershire to mark 100 years of Midland Red's Coalville garage.

The event, organised by Leicester Transport Heritage Trust, is set to take place on Sunday at Snibston Colliery Park from 10:00 BST to 16:00.

There will be a large display of vintage and more modern buses, free bus rides around the local area, transport-related stalls, a timeline display and transport films in the adjacent Century Theatre.

North West Leicestershire District Council, Leicestershire County Council and Snibston Heritage Trust are also behind the event, which is free to enter.

A timeline display will form part of the event

The garage was purpose-built by Birmingham and Midland Motor Omnibus Company Limited (BMMO) and opened in December 1925, before being extended in 1930.

The capacity rose from 47 vehicles in 1934 to 75 vehicles by 1938, with nearby houses demolished to make room for the extensions.

In 1940, part of the building and land to the rear was requisitioned by the War Department for the storage of heavy machinery and other equipment.

By 1968, 73 vehicles had been allocated to the site, as the Markfield depot closed and services were transferred to Coalville.

The BMMO was renamed several times in the latter half of the 20th Century, before becoming part of Arriva in 1997. The garage closed in March 2011.

Organisers have asked visitors to buy a programme to help with running costs.

The event will also include tours of Snibston Colliery, as well as the usual attractions at the Colliery Park, including heritage trails, children's playground, cafe and nature reserve.

Although there is limited car parking on site, organisers said the town centre car parks were within a few minutes' walk and bus services stop close by too.