Bluebell Railway to celebrate its Diamond anniversary with a packed weekend of festivities
Bluebell Railway will be celebrating its 60th year with a belated Diamond anniversary event this weekend.
The heritage railway turned 60-years-old on 7 August 2020, but the planned celebrations were postponed due to the Covid-19 restrictions.
Instead, Bluebell Railway will be celebrating with its 60 plus 1 event from 6 – 8 August. The event will showcase the railway’s achievements over the past six decades with a packed weekend of displays, activities, music, festivities and, of course, steam engines.
Ruth Rowatt, Marketing and Communications Manager, said: “We were disappointed not to be able to celebrate properly in 2020 due to Covid-19, but very glad at the time to reopen. However, this year we are so excited and relieved that restrictions are lifted, and we are able to celebrate our achievements of the last 61 years properly and share all the wonderful things our railway has to offer with our visitors.”
Alongside a busy steam train timetable, a weekend of live bands in the music tent will contribute to the festival atmosphere at Horsted Keynes Station. Featuring popular Sussex bands such as Into the Blue and Tar Babies across the three days, the concert includes a 10pm finish on Saturday night and a late train service for passengers wishing to travel back to East Grinstead or Sheffield Park Stations.
Kids Kingdom in the paddock at Horsted Keynes will provide entertainment for children including fun-fair rides, football shoot-outs, a bounce house and much more.
Displays will include vintage buses and tractors, and there will be opportunities to drive a diesel engine, ride in a brake van and of course, travel up and down the line behind steam locomotives between Sheffield Park and East Grinstead.
On the day tickets are available and subject to availability. Tickets are also available to book online for an advance discount.
The event comes as Bluebell Railway participates in the national campaign #loveyourrailway alongside other heritage railways. The campaign promotes heritage, education, sustainability, and the value of volunteers.
Ruth Rowatt added: “At 61, Bluebell Railway is the oldest standard gauge passenger-carrying preserved railway, and it is important that it flourishes for the next 60 years for future generations to experience and enjoy their heritage.”
Please visit the Bluebell Railway’s website to find out more about the 60 Plus 1 event: https://www.bluebell-railway.com/steaming-through-60/