Mid Norfolk Railway’s programme of events for 2022 revealed

The Mid-Norfolk Railway’s (MNR) 2022 operating season will open on 6th March 2022.

As in previous years, there will be a mixture of running days, including steam and diesel galas, and other special event weekends. New for 2022 will be specific diesel locomotive running days.

Diesel services will feature either maroon-liveried vacuum-braked Mk.1 and Mk.2 coaches or former Greater Anglia Mk.3 coaches, depending on the traction that is hauling the train.

On days when several trains are running, there will be a mixture of steam and diesel trains together with diesel multiple unit services.

From 9th May for at least two weeks,, the railway is planning to close to carry out a major engineering project.
The first steam running day will be 27th March and the first special event will be an Easter-themed event.

D1933 and Mk3 at Thuxton on the Mid Norfolk Railway — Credit: Mid Norfolk Railway

A Queen’s Platinum Jubilee event will be held in June, whilst on 26 June Hardingham station will be specially opened as part of Hardingham Fête.

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Hardingham station with its station grounds and buildings is in private ownership and not normally open to the public. This opening is an annual event that provides the public with a rare opportunity to use the station.

Over the weekend of 1st to 3rd July, a steam gala is planned with a number of visiting steam engines.

On 6th and 7th August, the railway’s annual 1940s Railway at War weekend will be held. Re-enactors will be setting up displays all along the line, and visitors are encouraged to enter into the spirit of the event by dressing accordingly.

One of the highlights for 2022 will be the Diesel Gala to be held from 23rd to 25th September, when the MNR’s home fleet will be supplemented by visiting mainline and heritage diesels.

Pacer at Thuxton During the Mid Norfolk RailwayDiesel weekend 2021 — Credit: MNR

For the first time, the railway plans to be open for Norfolk’s school’s autumn half-term break from 24th to 28th October.

The year will end with the ever-popular ‘Polar Express’ when the magic of the 2004 film The Polar Express is theatrically re-created so that passengers can experience the sights, sounds, and intrigue of this classic children’s tale. The Polar Express will run throughout November and December leading up to Christmas.

Throughout the 2022 running season, the railway will be running special dining trains, including the ‘Breckland Fryer’ fish and chip trains., ‘The Brecklander’ cream tea trains, and the ‘Heart of Norfolk’ afternoon high tea trains.

‘Kids Go Free’ group tickets that were introduced in 2021 will continue to be available in 2022 for all standard running days, but will not be valid for special events or on special trains.

The MNR shop at Dereham station has been refurbished and stocked with new lines of merchandise and clothing that feature the railway’s new ‘Heart of Norfolk’ logo.