The popular Swanage Railway ‘Steam and Lights’ trains will return to bring festive cheer in December.
Running on ten selected days over the festive period, the steam locomotives and carriages will be adorned in festive lights. The trains depart Swanage station at 5.15pm and 7.15pm for an hour’s return journey along the five-and-a-half-mile line through Corfe Castle and Norden.
Before passengers board the train in Swanage, there will be a dramatic turning on of the lights on the trains and carriages.
There will be lights displays at each station, and at other locations along the heritage line. Passengers will only be able to board trains at Swanage, with the other stations closed to the public.
Festive decorations will cover the interiors of the cosy, steam-heated carriages, as visitors will experience synchronised music as they pass lineside lighting.
The volunteer chairman of the Swanage Railway Company, Robert Patterson, praised the hard work of the dedicated volunteers in organising the special services and said that he is looking forward to visitors making special memories on the trains.
“The service is very special and out of this world – it’s colourful, evocative and dramatic,” he said.
“Last year’s ‘Steam and Lights’ train services were very popular, and we are looking forward to this year’s festive and colourful trains tremendously because they have a lovely atmosphere all of their own.
“With the help of an experienced and reputable company specialising in synchronised lighting and music, we have been working very hard to design a special festive train service that will make wonderful and magical memories for children and adults in the run-up to Christmas.”
The services will run on the first three weekends of December, as well as on December 21, 22 and 23. Tickets must be pre-booked for the trains, with five of the dates already sold out.
Other services running along the line over the festive period are the Christmas luncheon steam trains, and the popular Christmas Belle, using its luxury 1940s Pullman observation carriage.
To book tickets for the Steam and Lights trains, visit: https://www.swanagerailway.co.uk/events/view/enchanted-lights-and-steam
The Railway welcomes anyone who would like to volunteer. Anyone interested in finding out more should contact: 01929 408466 or email iwanttovolunteer@swanagerailway.co.uk.
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