A series of events in Prestatyn marking a half-century since a film was shot in the town will be held this weekend.
“Holiday on the Buses”, the comedy which was the third spin-off film of the “On the Buses” series, starred Reg Varney and Doris Hare, and was filmed at Pontins’ Prestatyn camp in 1973.
Personal appearance agent Richard Coghill has organised a 50th anniversary celebration of the film on Saturday, July 22 and Sunday, July 23.
Surviving cast members, crew, 1973 Pontins staff, holidaymakers who were background extras, and fans will gather together to celebrate the film across the weekend.
Anyone from Prestatyn who appears in the background of the film and would like to come and join as a guest of the event is encouraged to email hotb50th@hotmail.com.
The official website for the event, where tickets can be bought, is at www.hotb50th.com.
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A packed itinerary this weekend includes a filming locations tour by bus (conducted by Craig Walker, "On the Buses" author), Q&A sessions, a viewing of the film, talks and photoshoots with cast members, a walking tour of the holiday camp, and autograph signing sessions.
Special guests at this weekend's celebrations include Maureen Sweeney (Mavis), Cynthia Price (extra), Craig Walker, Nina West ("On the Buses" TV series), Sandra Bryant (Sandra), the family of Anna Karen (Olive Rudge), and Lawrence Achtner (Pontins staff member during the filming).
Weekend tickets are priced at £65 for adults, £30 for under-16s, and £180 for a family of four (two adults, two children).
Day tickets for adults cost £32.50, and £15 for under-16s.
Access to the weekend festivities is by wristband only.
A filming locations bus tour will take place at 9.30-10am on Saturday morning, which will include a photoshoot at Dyserth Falls with Cynthia Price.
At 2-2.30pm that afternoon, a viewing of the film will be held, including a Q&A with Craig Walker.
On Sunday, Craig will lead a walking tour of filming locations, while there will also be photo and autograph sessions with celebrity guests.
Previously, Richard told the Journal: “We know what this film means to not only ‘On the Buses’ fans, but to the community of Prestatyn, which welcomed film giants ‘Hammer’ with open arms all those years ago.
“Myself and colleague Craig Walker could not let such a remarkable milestone go under the radar.
“Hopefully it will bring a feel-good factor to the town also in the weeks leading up to the event. There will be lots going on!”
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