Free Travel for Armed Forces – VE Day 80 Events in Essex

First Bus East is proud to honour the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day by offering free bus travel to veterans and current UK armed forces personnel travelling to VE Day events across Essex from Monday 5 May to Sunday 11 May 2025.

Eligible passengers can travel free by either wearing their military uniform or showing a valid service ID card to the driver.

First Bus is also proud to be a part of the Chelmsford VE Day celebrations, taking place in Chelmsford City Centre on Monday 5 May 2025 from 10.00am to 5.00pm. This free, family-friendly event organised by Chelmsford For You, will feature military vehicles, live 1940s music, historical talks, and children's activities.

The First Bus stand, featuring a historic Routemaster Bus, will be located at the corner of Springfield Road (by the town sign), opposite Metro Bank. On the bus will be immersive WWII-themed sessions with renowned storyteller Mike Dodsworth, and the First Bus team will be on hand with information about services, as well as handing out free branded merchandise.

James McCluskey, Commercial Director at First Bus East, said: “Across First Bus, a number of our colleagues are veterans, and we’re very proud of their efforts and sacrifice. This is our way of saying thank you to them, as well as honouring the men and women who choose to serve and protect the freedoms we now enjoy.

“We want to make bus travel to and from VE Day 80 events, such as the one taking place in Chelmsford on Monday 5 May, as easy as possible, and I am pleased that our business can play our part in supporting and remembering those in military service past and present.”

For more info, click here