Time is running out for Oxfordshire charities and community organisations to enter the Brand The Bus 2025 competition, with the deadline just one day away.
This annual initiative by Oxford Bus Company and Thames Travel offers one lucky charity the chance to have their branding and message displayed across an entire double-decker bus, providing unprecedented exposure as it travels across Oxford and beyond.
With over 60 entries already received, this year’s competition is shaping up to be the most competitive yet. Charities have until Saturday, 1st March, to submit their applications and be in with a chance to win a £100,000 prize package, which includes:
- A fully branded Oxford Bus Company double-decker bus
- On-board digital screen advertising
- Airtime on local station Get Radio
- Becoming Oxford City Football Club’s official charity partner for the 2025-26 season
Additionally, highly commended runners-up will receive digital advertising packages worth £2,000 and £1,000.
A Record-Breaking Year for Brand The Bus
The competition, first launched in 2018, has grown significantly, attracting thousands of public votes each year. In 2024, Oxford Hospitals Charity took the top spot after a record-breaking 11,000 votes, earning a dedicated branded bus seen by thousands across Oxfordshire.
Past winners have included:
✔️ SeeSaw – Supporting children and young people through grief
✔️ Girl Guiding Oxfordshire – Empowering young women across the county
✔️ Home-Start Oxford – Providing family support for those in need
✔️ Blue Skye Thinking – Funding research into childhood brain tumours
✔️ Restore – Championing mental health recovery
Luke Marion, Managing Director of Oxford Bus Company and Thames Travel, praised the competition’s impact:
“The variety and high standard of this year’s submissions has been overwhelming, and it will be a challenging task selecting the overall winner.
“Our Brand the Bus competition never fails to remind us that there are so many good causes doing valuable work across Oxfordshire.
“There’s still time for organisations to enter as it’s a great opportunity to raise their profile and get their key messages out and about on the roads of Oxfordshire.”
Public Voting & Next Steps
Public voting is already open and runs until 1st April 2025. The 10 charities with the most votes will be shortlisted for the final judging panel. The winner will be announced in June, with the branded bus hitting the roads in autumn 2025.
How to Enter:
Charities and good causes can submit their entry online at oxfordbus.co.uk/brand-the-bus before the deadline on Saturday, 1st March.
This is an unmissable opportunity for Oxfordshire charities to gain incredible exposure and support for their cause. If you know a charity that could benefit, spread the word before it’s too late!
