Classic buses will once again take to Island roads this weekend as the Isle of Wight Bus & Coach Museum hosts its annual Wightrider running weekend on Saturday and Sunday, October 11 and 12.

The two-day event is a highlight of the museum calendar, celebrating the golden age of bus travel with a fleet of beautifully preserved heritage vehicles. Many of the buses and coaches are brought over from the mainland at their owners’ expense, giving visitors the rare chance to ride on vintage vehicles that once served towns and cities across the country.

This year’s programme includes a special guest — a fully restored 1929 Leyland Titan, originally operated by Jersey Motor Transport, which ran even during the Nazi occupation of the Channel Islands. Its visit marks the 80th anniversary of the Liberation of the Channel Islands, adding a poignant historical touch to the weekend.

All rides are free, offered on a first-come, first-served basis, and can be booked at the museum’s control desk. A detailed souvenir programme, with full timetables and route maps, is available to buy from the museum and selected Island outlets.

There is no public parking at the museum, but a Park & Ride service will operate from the Donkey Sanctuary at Wroxall, with vintage buses stopping at recognised points along the free routes.

For more details about this weekend’s event, visit iw.observer/wightrider.