Imberbus 2024 Brings Classic Routemasters Back to Life on Salisbury Plain

Sunday, 18 August 2024 06:00

The annual Imberbus event returned in grand style this Saturday, transforming Salisbury Plain's usually quiet military roads into a vibrant celebration of classic British transport.

Up to 30 iconic Routemaster buses and a few special guest vehicles made their way from Warminster to the ghost village of Imber, delighting transport enthusiasts and local residents alike.

This year's event was particularly unique as access to Imber was exclusively granted to those riding the Imberbuses. For one day only, the roads leading to the village were closed to all other vehicles, including cars, motorbikes, bicycles, and pedestrians. This exclusive access, a privilege reserved for the Imberbus riders, added a special touch to the event.

The fleet, including some 40 buses, departed from Warminster Station approximately every 10-15 minutes starting from 9:30am. These buses serviced Imber and other critical locations on Salisbury Plain, including Tilshead, Chitterne, New Zealand Farm Camp, West Lavington, Market Lavington, and the intriguingly named Brazen Bottom.

For those interested in exploring further, the day they offered additional services, including direct routes between Warminster and Chitterne, bypassing Imber altogether. To accommodate many visitors, multiple buses operated many journeys, with the fleet featuring several "non-London" guest vehicles making their first-ever appearance at Imberbus.

Beyond the bus rides, the event featured various attractions, including visiting Imber Church, open for tours and refreshments.

The event not only brought classic Routemasters back to life but also offered a rare glimpse into the past and the unique history of the Salisbury Plain.

With the event's continued popularity, Imberbus has once again proven to be a beloved tradition for transport enthusiasts and history buffs alike, ensuring that the ghost village of Imber remains alive in the hearts and minds of all who visit.