Welsh heritage railway hosting an open day for new volunteers

Picture of Katherine Tweedy

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Welsh heritage railway hosting an open day for new volunteers

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Llangollen and Corwen Railway staff
Llangollen and Corwen Railway staff. // Credit: Llangollen and Corwen Railway

Llangollen and Corwen Railway is inviting the community behind the scenes this spring as it hosts a special Volunteer Open Day.

Taking place on Saturday, 14 March 2026, from 10 am at Llangollen Railway Station, the event offers a rare glimpse into the day-to-day operation of one of Wales’ most popular heritage attractions, which runs along the picturesque route between Llangollen and Corwen.

Visitors will discover the wide range of roles that keep the railway on track, from safety-critical operations and signal box duties to customer service, retail, engineering and even the pathway to becoming a steam locomotive driver. The day will showcase how teams work both independently and together to deliver safe, professional and memorable experiences.

The railway already boasts the largest volunteer base of any similar organisation in Denbighshire, with hundreds of dedicated individuals contributing their time and skills.

DMU leaving Berwyn for Llangollen
DMU leaving Berwyn for Llangollen // Credit: Llangollen and Corwen Railway

Organisers say there is always room for more volunteers to join, highlighting the variety, camaraderie and unique experiences that come with being part of the railway family.

The Open Day forms part of the railway’s continued growth, supported by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and Denbighshire County Council, helping to strengthen its volunteer programme and widen access to new opportunities.

The 2026 season officially begins on Saturday, 28 March, kicking off a packed programme of events including St David’s Day celebrations and the much-anticipated Branch Line Gala from 10 to 12 April.

“Through the Shared Prosperity Fund and Denbighshire County Council, the Llangollen and Corwen Railway is truly thriving. We already have the largest volunteer base of any comparable organisation in Denbighshire, but our ambitions continue to grow as we head into our 51st year of operation.

“Interest in the railway is going through the roof following our recent rise in profile, and it is our volunteers who make that possible. No two days are ever the same here. One day you could be working on the footplate, the next in the signal box, in the workshop, or welcoming passengers from around the world.

This Open Day is a chance to find out more about what we do, how we operate, and the incredible contribution our volunteers make. If you are considering becoming a volunteer or even just curious, we would love you to come along.”

Robin Crowley, Volunteer Coordinator at Llangollen Railway.

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