‘Harrington Gathering’ back for 2026 as Bedford OB event postponed for 2025

Published: 31/03/2025

Transport Museum Wythall (TMW) is proud to announce the return of the Harrington Gathering in 2026.

The fifth Harrington Gathering will take place on Sunday May 17th 2026, (the second of these events at TMW) when we hope to see the largest ever rally of iconic Harrington coaches and cars plus any other Harrington coachbuilt product that surfaces in the meantime.
 
The 2023 event was much appreciated by all 400 people that visited Wythall on the day with coaches representing eight decades of art deco-inspired design on a number of different chassis, plus a very plain yet attractive single deck service bus. From the bonneted era of the early 1930s through dorsal finned luxury into the 1960’s Granadiers and Cavaliers (plus a dash of ‘Cavadier’ to confuse the uninitiated), there was something for everyone.
 
Harrington was also famous for coachbuilt cars, its relationships with the Rootes Group and Standard Triumph illustrated by the legendary Harrington Sunbeam and Triumph products, represented at the 2023 Gathering in the shape of a record five Sunbeam Alpines and a Triumph GTR 4 Dove, all carrying sleek coupé bodywork, the hallmark of Harrington automobile style.
 
So if you have a Harrington product that you would like to bring along, put the date in your diary now. More information will be published later in the year but as usual, owners will be welcome for the whole weekend and the museum will be offering its normal shuttle service to chosen local accommodation plus an evening pub meeting if you wish to stay overnight. Secure accommodation for both cars and coaches will also be available overnight on the Saturday so plan accordingly.
 
Bedford OB Gathering 2025 – 17/18 May.
The Bedford OB gathering for 2025 is regrettably cancelled. Due to other commitments, Bedford Owners have advised that insufficient vehicles are available to build an event so they have decided to celebrate the vehicle every five years, their next event will now be in 2029.
 
However, the museum is planning a new event, Bedford Bus and Coach at Wythall for 2026, date TBC. This event will welcome all Bedford buses and coaches from across the decades (including the OBs), further information and a confirmation of the date will be published later in the year. If you have a suitable vehicle, now is the time to finish that restoration, complete your overhaul or just get the polish ready, all will be welcome.