Severn Valley Railway plans Carol Train services this Christmas

The Severn Valley Railway is finalising plans for this year’s Christmas services.

Carol Train services will run on selected dates between November 27th and December 18th. Departing at 7pm from Kidderminster, passengers will enjoy a half-hour heritage steam or diesel-hauled journey to The Engine House at Highley.

On arrival at Highley, passengers will be handed a complimentary glass of mulled wine, and be entertained by two different acts performing a range of carols and Christmas songs. Passengers will be taken on a musical adventure that will really get the Christmas party started. Among the acts will be brass and concert bands, a saxophone group, and local choirs.

Charlotte Crowe, the choir leader of Got 2 Sing, said “Our singers are thrilled to be taking part in the SVR’s Carol Train events. We’ve been rehearsing since the autumn! The Engine House is the perfect venue for a festive celebration, and we’ll be in fine voice to get everyone in the Christmas spirit.”

Sunflower Saxes, a Bridgnorth-based saxophone group, will also be entertaining on some of the Carol Train evenings. Their musical director, Sally Oakes, said “This is such an exciting place for us to perform in. The sound of our instruments will fill the space with fun, swing arrangements of many classic Christmas tunes. For us, playing at the Severn Valley Railway is a big part of getting into the Christmas mood.”

Other acts taking part include Bewdley Choral Society, Stourport Brass Band, Dynamix, Nos Novem and Friends, Pershore Brass, Lutley Community Voices and Blackwell Concert Band.

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As well as enjoying the festive concert, passengers will be able to view the static heritage locomotives and carriages on display in The Engine House. Refreshments will also be available to purchase, or tuck in to a delicious two-course takeaway dinner with wholesome, warming seasonal fare; these must be pre-booked. The evening ends around 11pm, following the return journey to Kidderminster.

Compartments for four or six people and tables for two are pre-bookable on the Severn Valley Railway website.