Priscilla the Bus: From Derelict Shell
to Parade-Ready
One of the most ambitious and heartfelt projects in our Green Futures journey, Priscilla the Bus was transformed from a forgotten, rusting shell into a fully restored, parade-ready float blending technical precision with creative spirit, community collaboration, and a deep commitment to sustainability.
Once derelict and unused, Priscilla now rolls forward with purpose not just as a vehicle, but as a symbol of restoration, pride, and progress.
The Restoration Journey
Priscilla’s transformation was no small feat. It involved mechanical, structural, and aesthetic restoration all powered by the hands, hearts, and skills of our extended community.
The Penrose Roots Team handled the critical mechanical repairs, breathing life back into the engine and drivetrain.
Hatters Garage took on the welding and paintwork, ensuring structural integrity and giving the bus its bold new look.
Members of the Luton Pride community led the decorative finish, adding colour, character, and symbolism through hand-painted detailing and creative reuse of materials.
Together, they turned a vehicle once destined for scrap into a moving celebration of community, identity, and green transformation.
Sustainability at Every Step
Every decision during Priscilla’s rebuild was guided by our zero-waste ethos. Wherever possible, we reused, repurposed, and restored instead of replacing.
Plywood remnants were sourced and cut to size for panelling and structure
Donated materials replaced the need for new purchases, from decor to fittings
Chemical treatments were used to tackle rust and wear, avoiding large-scale replacements
All decorative work was hand-painted, reducing reliance on high-emission spray applications or plastic wraps
This careful, resource-conscious process not only gave Priscilla her shine it preserved the planet while honouring the past.
Driven by Community, Carried by Community
What makes Priscilla truly special is the spirit behind her. More than a mechanical project, this was a labour of community pride and collaborative creativity.
On the day of Luton International Carnival 2025, Priscilla joined the parade proudly supported by the Pride Team, showcasing what can be achieved when technical skill, artistic flair, and sustainable values come together.
A Moving Symbol of What’s Possible
Priscilla is more than just a float. She’s a reminder that with care, collaboration, and imagination, we can restore what’s broken, honour where we come from, and move forward responsibly.
To everyone who turned wrenches, picked up paintbrushes, sourced materials, and shared the vision thank you. You helped bring Priscilla back to life.
And she’s only just getting started.
