Meet the most festive bus driver in the North East

If you’ve caught a bus this December, you’ve probably been treated to more than just a ride if you’ve been greeted by bus driver Julie Richardson, Go North East’s very own Christmas legend.

For the entire month, Julie has been spreading festive cheer by sleighing a different Christmas-themed outfit every single day.

Julie, who has been behind the wheel at Go North East for 21 years, has invested hundreds of pounds into her ever-growing festive wardrobe. And we think it’s worth every penny. From the Grinch to a Christmas pudding and a turkey to a candy cane and a gingerbread man, Julie’s got every Christmas character covered. Her personal favourite? The Nutcracker.

But it’s not just about the costumes – there’s a deeper reason why Julie goes all out every December. “December is a challenging month for me,” she says. “It’s a time of sadness and loss, as I’ve lost several family members and close friends in Decembers gone by.

“Dressing up in festive costumes brings joy back into Christmas for me, and it makes my passengers and colleagues smile, too. My regulars know me and look forward to seeing my crazy outfits.”

After her own experience of sadness and loss over Christmas, like many others, Julie’s now on a mission to fill every ride with laughter and cheer. Her passengers love her festive outfits, with many commenting that her costumes are the highlight of their day.

Wondering how you can catch a glimpse of Julie and her Christmas wardrobe in full festive force? Well, Julie starts her shifts at Go North East’s Percy Main depot at 4am, but she’s up as early as 2:30am to get into character. “I’m up at 2:30am to paint my face green like the Grinch or stick on my Nutcracker moustache and wig,” she adds.

And Julie isn’t the only bus driver getting into the festive spirit. Go North East drivers across the region are wearing Christmas jumpers and adding their own personal touches to brighten passengers’ days. Whether it’s reindeer antlers or a Santa hat, these drivers are sure to bring a smile to your face.

Inspired by Julie’s Christmas cheer and thinking about joining the team? Join the Go North East family by visiting their website.

Photography credit: Charlotte Graham Photography