The East Lancashire Railway (ELR) is reopening this February and has a packed calendar of events for everyone, young and old.
At February half-term children can enjoy one of the railway's children's adventure days, including pirate, dinosaur, and wizard-themed days, train enthusiasts can bask in nostalgia with Royal Scot at the Spring Steam Gala, whilst lovers can enjoy a Valentine's dinner aboard an iconic Pullman-style carriage.
Wizards' Academy
Wizards' Adventure Day for February half-term takes place on Wednesday, 16th February, and returns on 6th and April, and 1st June.
The fun-filled day will allow aspiring witches and wizards to share spells and magic-themed fun. There will be an array of performances from magical creatures before visitors board the Wizard Express for a two-hour round-trip journey through the Irwell Valley of wonders. To complete their day of wizardry, visitors will receive books teaching them skills needed to defeat the evil wand-bearers.
Dinky Dinosaur Adventure
Dinky Dinosaur Adventure Day is being held during February half-term on Thursday 17th February, and will return on 7th and 14th April, and 2nd June.
Lovers of dinosaur lovers can have a close encounter with prehistoric creatures and even give a T-Rex a tickle under the chin, before being transported back to the Jurassic period on a steam train ride through the Irwell Valley. As they journey through both the Lancashire countryside and through time, children and parents alike will be joined by colourful characters.
Pirates' Adventure Days
Another attraction for February half-term is Pirate Adventure Day on Friday 18th February, as well as on 8th and 15th April. The world's first Pirate Steam Train will welcome adventure-seekers aboard where they can earn their sea-legs by learning the basics of map reading and singing sea shanties. There may even be a hidden treasure!
Winter Diesel Gala
For lovers of diesel locomotive, ELR's magnificent diesel locomotives will be in action during the Winter Diesel Gala on Saturday, 12th February when they will be operating to an intensive timetable. Guests with a day rover can travel as often as they like.
Classic diesels set to make an appearance include Class 24 D5054; Class 25 25279, which has been recently outshopped in BR Blue, Class 33 33109 Captain Bill Smith RNR; Class 45 45108; and Class 47s D1501 and 47765.
Spring Steam Gala
The first big steam event of the year is the Spring Steam Gala from Friday, 25th, until Sunday, 27th February. Tickets are available for one, two or three days.
Not to be missed will be 46100 Royal Scot making its first visit to the ELR. Built in 1927, Royal Scot was the flagship locomotive of the London Midland and Scottish Railway, operating the fastest services on the West Coast from London to Manchester and Glasgow. After a five-year overhaul she returned to steam on the mainline in 2016.
Valentine's Dinner
A romantic meal for two behind an iconic steam train awaits lovers on the Valentine's Dinner on Saturday, 12th February. Couples and friends can enjoy an indulgent four-course dinner complemented by some fine fizz while cruising through the beautiful Irwell Valley. The Valentines special is always a sell-out and rated five stars on Tripadvisor, so tickets are expected to steam out the station quickly!
To buy tickets or more information on any of the events visit www.eastlancsrailway.org.uk or contact East Lancashire Railway at 0333 320 2830.
