Worthing bus rally cancelled for 2025 due to low vehicle entries
Organisers say falling numbers of vehicles and visitors have left the event no longer financially possible to run
The Worthing Bus Rally, a popular annual event usually held on the seafront, has been cancelled for 2025 after organisers said there were not enough vehicle entries to make the event viable.
The rally, which has been a key part of the Worthing Seafront Festival, typically takes place on the last Sunday in July. It has attracted bus enthusiasts and families for many years, featuring a variety of vintage and modern buses. Visitors have enjoyed free rides along the seafront on restored classic buses, including nearly 90-year-old Routemasters and vintage Southdown vehicles.
The committee behind the event said the decision to cancel was difficult but unanimous.
“There just aren’t enough entries to make this a financially viable event,” they said in a statement.
They added that over recent years, the number of vehicles taking part has steadily declined, which has led to fewer visitors and less income.
“This has also meant we would not be able to run a service that meets previous years’ standards,” the committee said.
In recent years, the rally has been part of a wider festival organised by the Worthing Lions, which includes classic car displays and fundraising activities for local charities such as the Ferring Country Centre.
The organisers expressed their regret about the cancellation but said they wanted to inform people as early as possible.
“We have loved getting to know vehicle owners, trade stall owners and visitors alike, and we hope you can understand our decision,” they said. “Thank you for all your years of support.”