Documentary made to remember ‘Holiday on the Buses’ shot in Prestatyn

Holiday on the Buses, which starred Reg Varney and Doris Hare, was filmed at Pontins’ Prestatyn camp in 1973.

Richard Coghill, a personal appearance agent, has put together the 80-minute documentary, entitled Looking Back – Holiday on the Buses at 50.

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LOOK: Event celebrates 50 years since filming of ‘Holiday on the Buses’

It features contributions from Maureen Sweeney, who starred in the film as Mavis; Larry Achtner, a staff member at the Pontins camp during the filming; and Craig Walker, an On the Buses expert who has written numerous books on the series and films.

The documentary – which you can watch below - comes shortly after Pontins confirmed the closure of Prestatyn Sands Holiday Park on November 30, 2023.

Richard said: “I had wanted to do something like this for a long time, and with it being the 50th anniversary, what better time to do it?

“I’m really pleased with it. We’ve had some really nice feedback from it; the people who were in it were blown away that it had come together so well.

“It was a lot of hard work, and a lot of long hours – every spare moment I’ve had was spent editing - but it was all worth it in the end!

Richard Coghill (L) and Craig Walker at last year's 50th anniversary event at Pontins Prestatyn (Image: Newsquest)

“Holiday on the Buses is not dead, even with Pontins closing. There are still things in the pipeline, which can only be a good thing for people who hold it dear.

“It’s about keeping the memory alive, so if I can do that, I’ve done my job.”

Richard, who produced and narrated the documentary, is also writing a book on the film, which he hopes to publish later this year.

He also organised a weekend-long 50th anniversary event to celebrate the film at Pontins Prestatyn last July.