The North Tyneside Steam Railway, along with the Stephenson Steam Railway at North Shields in County Durham, is gearing up for its end-of-season festival.

Events start on Wednesday, 21st October, with a Metro Music Night in the Tyne and Wear Metro carriage for the regular open mic night from 7-10 pm. There is no need to book for this event, and a donation of £3 is suggested.

The following evening, Thursday, 22nd October, from 6-9 pm, Lee ‘Lippy’ Davies will give a fascinating talk about his railway career, spending 40 years. Pie and pea suppers will be available from the Waggonway Tearoom. Entry is free for this event, but pre-booking is required. Again, donations will be welcome.

The week culminates on Saturday, 24th, and Sunday, 25th October with the Autumn Gala. An intensive timetable of passenger and freight trains is planned, with locomotives from the railway’s home fleet. Also, Wickham Trolley MPP0007 will be visiting the railway from the Darlington Railway Preservation Group and will be giving rides in the museum yard.

An added attraction on Saturday is the Sausage Supper Special. Visitors on the 15.00 departure can enjoy a delicious Sausage Supper on board, courtesy of Northside Grill. It is necessary to pre-book for this train to enjoy the Sausage Supper.

Tickets are now on sale and cost £12 for adults, £9 for children, and £38 for a family of two adults and three children. Further information and ticket booking details can be found here.

In April, the Tyne and Wear Metro donated used timber to the railway for use on the railway’s Woodland Walk, which opened last year. It was used to help preserve the biodiversity of the area by helping to conserve the walking path and prevent the surrounding areas from being walked on.