By Liv Clarke
Copyright manchestereveningnews
Railway fans can ride behind the oldest working steam engine in Britain, climb aboard historic locomotives and even enjoy a chippy tea on board a steam train this weekend at East Lancashire Railway. The Bury-based heritage railway is marking 200 years of Britain’s railways this weekend with a host of live demonstrations, immersive theatre performances and, of course, heritage trains which will bring the story of the railways to life. Taking place on both Saturday, September 13 and Sunday, September 14, the weekend will be a celebration of both steam and diesel passenger trains. Throughout the weekend of celebration, ELR will be running several steam and diesel passenger trains, which have heavily influenced the railway’s story through its working life. Stay connected with our City Life newsletter here In addition to this, Furness Railway No.20, the oldest working steam locomotive in the country, has been secured for the event with the support of the ELR preservation society. This service will be hauling vintage carriages so passengers can travel in true Victorian style. Visitors can step onto the cab of selected locomotives, enjoy live demonstrations, chat with the crews, and meet characters from railway history – all before the weekend comes to a close with an original theatrical performance at the Bury Transport Museum. Performances take place at 11.30am and 2.30pm, with seating on a first-come, first-served basis. Entry is included with the travel ticket. Visitors will also be treated to the sight of historic locomotive No. 11456 in steam, a survivor of Britain’s industrial past. The story then moves forward to the 1950s and 60s, when British Rail transitioned from steam to diesel. This changing of the guard will be brought to life with performances from two icons: Southern Pacific 34092 City of Wells, which will haul morning services, before handing over duties to Diesel Class 24, D5054. The BR Blue era of the 1970s is represented by No. 832 Onslaught, a diesel-hydraulic powerhouse built at Swindon Works in 1961. Onslaught was the last of the “Warship” class to be withdrawn from service in 1972, before finding a second life in preservation with the ELR. Adding to the immersive experience, history will come alive as visitors meet characters from the past. Step on board to encounter Richard Trevithick, inventor of the world’s first high-pressure steam engine. Later in the day, listen in on a spirited debate between “Flying Scotsman” driver Bill Sparshatt and Moses Truro, driver of City of Truro, as they argue about who really set the first speed record. Join our Manc Life WhatsApp group HERE Then on Saturday, September 13 visitors can enjoy a traditional chippy tea served on board the Victorian service hauled by Furness Railway No. 20. Mike Kelly, Chairman of the East Lancashire Railway, said: “We are excited to host such a meaningful celebration of heritage for train travel in the UK. “Bringing people together to celebrate 200 years of railway history isn’t just about looking back – it’s about sharing the spirit of heritage rail so future generations can feel the same excitement that changed Britain forever.” The official 200th anniversary of Britains railways is on September 27 and marks 200 years since the launch of Stockton & Darlington Railway which transformed travel in the UK. Tickets can be bought on the East Lancashire Railway website. For more of the latest What’s On news, click here.
