Santa Bus raises thousands for Rockinghorse.

Santa Bus supports Rockinghorse.

Brighton & Hove Buses annual Santa Bus raises £36,579 for local charities, including Rockinghorse.

Last December we were lucky enough to be chosen as one of the 12 local charity beneficiaries of the Brighton and Hove Santa Bus. Travelling 20 different routes over 20 nights, the buses spread festive joy throughout the city and raised a total of over £36,500, with Rockinghorse receiving just over £3,000.

Every evening during the run up to Christmas, 20-30 volunteers helped support the Santa Bus on its journey. Supporters included those from every department of Brighton & Hove Buses, local businesses, the beneficiary charities, and local Councillors, with the overall volunteer hours equating to over 2,000 hours.

Ed Wills, Managing Director of Brighton & Hove Buses said: “This is an incredible amount of money to raise for local charities in the community we serve. It is an overwhelming display of generosity from local people and those who gave up their time to volunteer.

“Over the last 21 years, the Santa Bus has become one of the city’s most popular and iconic annual events. A huge thank you to everyone who helps to make this happen including the teams of nightly volunteers, local supporting businesses and everybody who comes out to donate and give Santa and his helpers a festive wave.” 

Amanda Hetherington, Head of Partnerships at Rockinghorse said, “It was so wonderful to be chosen as one of the charity beneficiaries of this fabulous Brighton & Hove festive tradition. The Santa Bus is loved by so many, and it always feels like Christmas is on the way when you see Santa waving from the top deck!

“This donation means so much to us, especially as it’s come from people within the community we service. As your local children’s hospital charity, this money will go straight to supporting sick babies, children, young people, and their families, all across Sussex, so thank you to Brighton & Hove Buses and everyone who donated in December.”

Partnerships within the local community really make a difference to our work. So if your business is looking to support a small local charity, get in touch with our Head of Partnerships, Amanda Hetherington, at amanda@rockinghorse.org.uk to find out how you can get involved.

And don’t forget, the Santa Bus takes place every year, so keep an eye out for Santa visiting your street in December 2025!