The Spa Valley Railway at Tunbridge Wells West station Kent is once again preparing to welcome Thomas the Tank Engine to entertain visitors.

Following last year’s appearance with The Bubble Tour, this year’s visit is titled A Day Out With Thomas: The Party Tour.

It will take place on Saturday, 26th and Sunday, 27th April and early May Bank Holiday weekend from Saturday, 3rd to Monday, 5th May.

The event takes place at heritage railways across the world, and offers families a fun-filled event.

Each ticket includes a train ride with a life-sized Thomas the Tank Engine and access to a full day of activities that include live entertainment with Sodor Station Sweepers Rusty & Dusty, a chance to say hello to Sir Topham Hatt, garden games, a Thomas & Friends character hunt, and much more.

Every child will also receive Thomas & Friends giveaways.

This year marks 80 years since Revd Wilbert Awdry first introduced Thomas & Friends to the British public. Since then, many generations of families have been entertained with the trains’ timeless railway adventures, and continues to captivate young fans with new and exciting adventures.

The weekend’s special birthday celebrations will feature family-friendly activities with a magician and balloon modeller, face painting, and give children the chance to decorate their own party hat and a birthday card for Thomas There will also be opportunities to take commemorative photos with a festive Thomas adorned in confetti.

Highlights of each day include:

• A train ride of approximately 20-25 minutes each way pulled by a full-sized Thomas the Tank Engine steam locomotive.
• A 15-minutes break of journey at Eridge station for taking photographs of and with Thomas.
• Live entertainment and sing-a-longs with Sodor Station Sweepers, Rusty & Dusty
• The chance to meet Mavis and say “hello” to Sir Topham Hatt, Controller of the Railway.
• Photo opportunities throughout the event, including with Thomas himself.
• A hunt to find Thomas & Friends characters containing messages hidden around the railway.
• A visit to the Play Pod where children can play with their favourite Thomas & Friends toys and books.

Tickets for a Day Out With Thomas: The Party Tour cost £19.50 for adults and £16.50 for children ages 2 and up, and can be purchased in advance at www.dayoutwiththomas.co.uk. Further information and directions are available at www.spavalleyrailway.co.uk

As well as the Thomas weekends, the Spa Valley Railway has many other events throughout the year including Murder Mystery Trains, Kent Gin Train, and The Kent Cheese Trains.