BFF Panto Bus back on the road

13th November 2024

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The BFF Panto Bus is back on the road - oh yes it is! The 2024 Christmas tours which bring fun and laughter to thousands of British military families across the UK and Cyprus got underway this week.

The casts of Rapunzel and Jack & the Beanstalk are wending their way across the UK, from the top of Scotland to the tip of Cornwall, performing at more than 50 military bases. And the BFF Panto Bus will also be entertaining the 10,000-strong British Forces Community in Cyprus in December.

One of the first bases on the 2024 Christmas tour was RAF Cosford. "It was a great success, and the families had a wonderful evening," said FS Jim McClymont. "The children thoroughly enjoyed the interaction with the cast before, during and after the show.

"We received excellent feedback on the night saying what a great experience, fantastic show and thanked all involved for arranging. These types of activities really bring the community together and are an excellent way of checking the welfare of families and any issues they are experiencing."

Once again the BFF Panto Bus has received generous support from the Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity, and also the Veterans' Foundation.

A spokesperson for the RNRMC said: "The RNRMC has supported the BFF Panto Bus for many years and is proud to help bring this incredibly popular entertainment to those communities where families and loved ones are separated by operational deployments over the festive period.

"The BFF Panto Bus has entertained more than a hundred thousand people since 2014 – the young and not-so-young – and these performances have become a firm festive tradition for so many."

A spokesperson for the Veterans' Foundation said: "We proudly help fund the pantomimes, so that members of our armed forces community, wherever they may be, can enjoy the festive season, and know that they are remembered and appreciated. We know from experience that military service is a sacrifice for the entire family, which is why we offer grants to cover the broadest range of assistance.

"Think of us as a fairy godmother or genie, aiming to spread a little magic to help create a ‘happy ever after’ for those who give so much to keep us safe."

A huge thank you to the RNRMC and the Veterans' Foundation - and to all those who support the BFF Panto Bus.