The 50th anniversary celebrations of the Llangollen and Corwen Railway will culminate with a spectacular event over the weekend of Saturday, 12th, and Sunday, 13th September.

The “50 Years Finale” event will feature steam and diesel locomotives, and heritage diesel multiple units (DMUs), operating an intensive timetable. A special rover ticket at £30 for adults and £8 for children will be available for the weekend, and will allow visitors to enjoy unlimited travel on all of the railway’s special event services; normal tickets will also still be available.

As well as intensive train services, other attractions include:

• A special “Ales from Wales” celebration train.;
• Tours behind the scenes of the engine shed; these should be booked in advance online;
• Exhibitions and displays depicting the evolution of the railway during the last 50 years.

To supplement the September celebrations, there will be a special event with live music at Llangollen Town Hall on Friday, 16th October. Further information about the event and the 50 Years Finale weekend will be available soon, but tickets are now on sale at https://llangollen-railway.co.uk/50th_anniversary/.

One of the UK’s longest-serving railway volunteers is Dave Owen, who is also a veteran steam locomotive driver. He commented that when a small group of enthusiasts arrived in Llangollen over half a century ago, few could have imagined what the railway would become. Today, it is a thriving railway carrying record numbers of passengers and making an enormous contribution to the local economy and tourism industry. None of that would have happened without the determination, hard work and vision of the pioneers who refused to let this railway disappear.

Earlier this month, the railway held a Classic Transport weekend, then, in partnership with the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod, it welcomed hundreds of performers and visitors who had travelled by train to Llangollen.

“We want there to be a real gala atmosphere throughout the weekend, with steam locomotives, diesel locomotives and heritage railcars all operating alongside a packed programme of special events and activities. Whether you’re a dedicated enthusiast, a family looking for a day out, or someone who simply wants to join us in celebrating this milestone, there will be something to enjoy. The railway is currently seeing record passenger numbers and attracting visitors from across the UK and beyond, which is fantastic news. However, while we celebrate our success today, it is vital that we recognise and remember those who built this historic railway.”

“The founders and early volunteers, including my late father, created something truly extraordinary from very modest beginnings, and this event will give us the opportunity to honour their achievements while showcasing everything the railway has become over the last 50 years. The event will bring together supporters, volunteers, visitors and founders for a celebration of the railway’s past, present and future, and we look forward to welcoming everyone for what promises to be a memorable and fitting finale to our anniversary year.”

Iain Ross, organiser of the railway’s popular Branch Line Gala and a locomotive driver on the railway