The World-on-Wheels of Storytelling
BRAY-ON-THAMES, ENGLAND SINCE 2014
Embedded Files
July 2026 update: In a world dominated by social media and device addiction; where screens steal children’s attention and literacy skills are in sharp decline - Once Upon a Bus has a radical, screen-free solution that actually works. We bring the UK’s original double-decker storytelling bus straight to schools across the local area, transforming an ordinary day into a powerful, multisensory adventure. Led by Arti the Elf: just live, immersive storytelling that pulls children into enchanted worlds, sparks genuine imagination, and rebuilds a deep love of stories and language. We deliver proven, joyful experiences that directly counter digital overload and boost literacy, creativity and engagement. Schools in our area are already seeing the difference! To discover how we can help call Arti direct on (UK) 07912 101 619
"A totally unique vision that delivers an out-of-this-world experience"
Once Upon a Bus create fabulous and magical storytelling experiences on a beautiful customised double-decker bus. Our unique approach combines the traditional social function of storytelling with creative learning techniques, to deliver inspiring, interactive and truly immersive experiences that delight and enlighten all who step aboard...
ENGAGING & IMMERSIVE LEARNING
ONCE UPON A BUS AT YOUR SCHOOL
Transform your school's ordinary day into an extraordinary journey of imagination and learning with Once Upon a Bus, the UK's original custom double-decker storytelling bus! Established in 2014, our mobile wonder is designed to captivate young minds through multisensory, interactive sessions that align perfectly with key educational themes like World Book Day, Science Week, or bespoke adventures tailored to your curriculum. Hosted by Arti, the bus turns into epic realms - whether exploring enchanted forests, diving into ocean depths, or soaring through starry skies in sessions like Neverland, Alice Down the Rabbit-hole, The Wonka Bus, The Whale Project, or We Are Stars. Ideal for full-day bookings, PTAs, and special events, this fun-filled experience boosts literacy, creativity, and engagement while bringing innovative edu-tainment right to your school!
Approved by Parentkind and loved by prestigious schools such as Bishopsgate, Eagle House, St George's, and Claires Court, Once Upon a Bus offers flexible, themed storytelling that sparks curiosity and fosters a love for learning in children of all ages. Whether you're planning a school-wide celebration or integrating it into your lesson plans, our bus provides a unique haven where stories come alive, making education fun, magical and memorable. Call Arti for details on 07912 101 619
WEST LONDON, BERKSHIRE, BUCKINGHAMSHIRE & OXON AREAS
"The magic and creativity of Arti and Matthew could not be faulted as they narrated and shared stories with children over two days. Boys and girls entering the bus are taken to a new world and the brilliance is that the bus evolves into whatever theme has been planned. From the moment they assemble outside to watch the magical Bubble Man, the children are entranced. Arti's characters are played out brilliantly and she leads them on a journey through the bus, reading and sharing and fully immersing children into the world of storytelling. We could not have been more delighted with the response from the children - they have not stopped talking about their experience and there is no doubt that the bus helped make our Literature Festivals a huge success. If your children love stories they will adore the bus and I would urge you to let it park up at your school and create its magic."
HEAD OF ENGLISH, EAGLE HOUSE SCHOOL
OUAB-Schools-2026-public.pdf
OUAB FAQ
The bus has been designed to accommodate an average classroom of children and carers comfortably. Additional adults accompanying children have use of a seating area at the back of the upper deck (aka the book corner) which can seat c. 10 adults. The length of each session is tailored for each school dependent on the number of children. For reference, we have been able to accommodate a school of 400 pupils with 20 minute workshops spread over a school day. Once Upon a Bus can run power through a normal supply. We carry a 50m extension cable.
Please read the House Rules, for safety information see onceuponabus.com/Safety and refer to our provisional Terms and Conditions of Service
OUAB IN THE COMMUNITY
OUAB IN THE COMMUNITY
Our iconic double-decker bus transforms into immersive, enchanting worlds hosted by Arti the Elf, delivering interactive, multisensory experiences that delight guests of all ages.
Perfect for birthdays, family events and community get-togethers. As featured at renowned venues such as the Royal Hampton Court Flower Show, The Fat Duck Bray, the Hurlingham Club, Barnes Film Festival, and the Royal Wedding Windsor; Once Upon a Bus brings the magic directly to your doorstep, making any occasion an extraordinary event! Call Arti for details on 07912 101 619
To support OUAB Community Interest Comapny (CIC) please visit ouab.uk
"Nice time declaring the Once Upon a Bus vehicle open. What a good idea!"
Paul Daniels, Magician and television presenter 2014
We will always be grateful for Paul Daniels and Debbie McGee's kindness, enthusiasm and generosity in helping to launch our community project.
Simple performance magic is still an important part of our edutainment model, and wherever it features, it is dedicated to him x
~ WHAT'S ON AT OUAB ~
~ WHAT'S ON AT OUAB ~
SPRING / SUMMER 2026
~ OUR UNIQUE LEARNING MODEL ~
~ OUR UNIQUE LEARNING MODEL ~
In an era where digital distractions often overshadow traditional learning, Once Upon a Bus, a mobile initiative based in the UK, has pioneered a transformative approach to education. The "Whale, The Star, and The Campfire" model serves as the cornerstone of their storytelling methodology, blending narrative with symbolic realms to foster holistic development in young learners. This three-point framework draws from natural and human elements to represent interconnected domains of knowledge: the planet and its life, the cosmos and scientific inquiry, and the essence of human social bonds. By weaving these symbols into interactive stories, the model aims to ignite curiosity, enhance literacy, and promote equitable education, particularly in underserved communities. And it's always fun.
We want to inspire a lifelong love of learning; for learning's sake.
💛
THIS IS *EDU-TAINMENT*
All aligned with the National Curriculum for measurable outcomes
THE WHALE
THE WHALE
The Whale embodies the Earth's ecosystems, ecology, environmental stewardship, and innate intelligence. As the largest creature (ever) on the planet, it symbolises the interconnectedness of life, from ocean depths to global climates. Our tales explore topics like conservation and animal cognition: drawing parallels to human empathy and problem-solving. A simple story might follow a whale's migration, teaching children about pollution's impact while encouraging them to think critically about sustainable actions. This realm emphasises experiential learning to immerse participants in environmental realities.
Environmental awareness and personal/community responsibility
THE STAR
THE STAR
Representing our vast universe, science, mathematics, and existential questions, The Star invites exploration of the unknown. It stands for cosmic wonders, from our solar system to quantum principles, fostering a sense of awe and analytical thinking. Narratives under this symbol might involve a star guiding adventurers through space, integrating lessons on numbers (e.g.. scale and measures), physics (e.g., gravity), and philosophy (e.g., our place in the cosmos). Through interactive elements like sky maps or simple narrative driven thought experiments children learn to question, hypothesize, and quantify, bridging abstract concepts with tangible excitement.
Scientific curiosity, critical thinking and numerical understanding
THE CAMPFIRE
THE CAMPFIRE
The campfire evokes the ancient tradition of communal storytelling, symbolizing human-centric social engagement, the humanities, and *off-screen* collaborative education. Rooted in our ancient history, it highlights oral traditions, cultural heritage, ethics, and interpersonal skills. Stories around the "campfire" focus on shared experiences; classics and folktales that teach morality, history, or social dynamics, encouraging group discussions and role-playing. This realm promotes unplugged interaction, countering screen dependency by building e mpathy, communication, and community bonds througn live narration and participation.
Social-emotional development, literacy and communication skills
~ TESTIMONIALS ~
"Once Upon a Bus is a unique, fun-filled educational experience for children right across the primary age range. As Teacher and now Headteacher of Waltham St. Lawrence Primary School, I have seen the positive impact that the sessions can have both on an individual class basis and across the school as a whole. Once Upon a Bus sessions are interactive, engaging and most of all fun, allowing the children time to explore learning in a setting which feels very different from the structured classroom. The children emerge from the sessions feeling like they have been in a different world and the Once Upon a Bus experience is one that stays with them throughout their primary education. At Waltham St. Lawrence Primary School we love Once Upon a Bus... It’s the way learning should be!"
David Errington
Headteacher, Waltham St Lawrence Primary School
"We are delighted to have the ongoing support of the beautiful Once Upon a Bus for the Maidenhead's Big Read festival. In March, we held our 8th annual event, and once again Once Upon a Bus has played a significant part in supporting our local schools and community and encouraging children and families to read together and to love reading. Arti, Matt and their team (including their lovely children), in costume and with great panache, narrate and perform magical stories in line with the festivals' theme over the two day event every year. All are drawn into an immersive storytelling world - many leaving the experience with a new enthusiasm for the magic of books and reading."
Stephan Stephan
Twice president of Maidenhead Thames Rotary Club & Chair of Maidenhead Community Book Festival CIC
"Once Upon a Bus is something special. Having worked with various storytellers / communicators / workshop providers over the past 15 years, I can honestly say that OUAB are the only one that properly understand how to engage with people of all ages, bringing together creativity, humour and rigour to excellent effect. Crucially, Arti and Matt fully remember what it is to be a child, helping anyone who enters their bus to have fun, enjoy learning and embrace silliness. Children and adults alike enter the bus not entirely sure what to expect, and leave not necessarily realising that they have learned something. I have learned a lot from working with them, adopting new approaches and bringing more creativity into my own practice."
Dr Russell Arnott PGCE
Director www.incredibleoceans.org
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