Venue booking agents up and down the country can look forward to a visit from the ‘Chudbus’, the Sundial Group’s iconic English Routemaster, this summer.

The bright red classic London double decker is a promotional vehicle, showcasing Sundial Venues – three specialist meeting and training venues in Northamptonshire, Surrey and Warwickshire.

The Routemaster holds a special place in the hearts of the Chudley family, who own Sundial Group. Michael and Diana Chudley made the news when they took their six children from Northampton to America on board the bus – inspiring the 1963 Cliff Richard film 'Summer Holiday'.

Almost 50 years on, at the National Venue Show 2004, a 21st century Chudbus was unveiled. Since then the ‘new’ (registered in 1964) model has dipped in and out of industry appearances but this summer it is set to make a comeback with its ‘Sundial Summer Holiday’ tour – kicking off today (9 May) at Zibrant’s head office in Derby.

The bus will be driven by Sundial Group’s managing director, Tim Chudley, and agents will be able discover the Sundial Venue offer on the top deck, which is kitted out as a boardroom, while also enjoying tapas and vintage footage of the original ‘Chudbus’.

“The bus is something that is particularly close to my heart because I have such fond memories of travelling on the Chudbus as a child; it is also an acknowledgement of Sundial Group’s very special family history,” said Chudley.

To watch the Gaumont Rank newsreel featuring the Chudbus visit: http://bit.ly/dUIxRQ

Pictured: The 21st century Chudbus