STAGECOACH MANCHESTER DRIVER TO FEATURE IN DOCUMENTARY DURING WIGAN ARTS FESTIVAL

Stagecoach Manchester driver, Jamie Jackson, is set to feature in an upcoming documentary, to be shown this month at Wigan Arts Festival. Entitled ‘The Road to Happiness’, the documentary will focus on people living in Wigan and Leigh and the everyday things that make them happy. 

Jamie is one of the youngest driver at Stagecoach Manchester, having begun his career at the Wigan depot at just 18 years old. Jamie has followed in the footsteps of his father, grandad, and uncle who have all worked in various roles for Stagecoach Manchester.

Jamie, who started driving buses for Stagecoach Manchester eighteen months ago, managed to pass both his driving test and bus examinations just eight months after leaving school.

Of his career as a bus driver, Jamie said: “I’ve wanted to be a bus driver since primary school and unlike a lot of my friends I’ve always been quite consistent in what I wanted to do. I’m just happy to be here, I love driving buses and all things engines!”

Jamie is just one of many inspiring stories to be featured in the documentary by Northern Heart Films, which will be shown for free, at Wigan Arts Festival later this month.

During the film, Jamie discusses how he finds happiness in his job: "Driving around Wigan is just amazing, honestly. I like meeting new people, they're always so friendly and they always tell you about their life. I just love being a bus driver, it makes me so happy." 

Natasha Hawksworth, Creative Director at Northern Heart Films said: "It's been such a wonderful experience filming with Jamie and we've enjoyed capturing his story for our short film at this year's Wigan Arts festival. A special thanks must go to Stagecoach who have been so accommodating.”

"At Northern Heart Films we're really passionate about telling local people's stories, Jamie has been brilliant fun."

Lee Wasnidge, Managing Director of Stagecoach Manchester said: “It’s brilliant to see Jamie getting involved in this film, profiling the fantastic people of Wigan and Leigh, and sharing his passion for buses. We’re so excited to see Jamie’s debut, and continue to be endlessly proud to have him as part of the Stagecoach Manchester team”.

The Road to Happiness will be shown at Wigan Arts Festival 30^th July – 14^th August.