Railway 200, a British celebration of 200 years since the railways became a viable and transport success.
Certainly a year where Heritage Railways all over the UK should be able to ramp up ticket sales.
South Devon Railway. Buckfastleigh.
Hoping to tap into this gift for railway tourism in 2025.
This 200th anniversary of the opening of the world’s first public railway on the Stockton to Darlington Railway.
In its wake it helped to create the Industrial Revolution. That brought Victorian people into establishing an industrial powerhouse that still continues today.
Festiniog Railway.
In terms of tourist potential then its perfect for any heritage railway to embrace this chance. In order to get a huge boost into this part of the tourism sector. As some railways are indeed struggling and depend so much on volunteers.
And perhaps this may also generate in the public an interest of actually being one of those volunteers?
Railway 200. Launches A Year Of Events
There is probably no railway that could not use some extra visitors and their money in these current cash strapped times.
The South Devon Railway that runs from Buckfastleigh to Totnes.
Without doubt 2025 should be the year of the heritage railways and rail museums.
This nationwide celebration will be marked on 27th September 2025. 200 years on from 1825 22 years even before Queen Victoria ascended the throne.
Welsh Highland Railway.
Plans are already being hatched all over the UK as railways like the Bluebell railway in Sussex is ready to embark on a whole host of events in 2025.
Arley station. The Severn Valley Railway.
Railway 200 will be a year-long nationwide partnership-led campaign to celebrate 200 years of the modern railway.
Also it is hoped that a chance inspire a new generation of young pioneering talent to choose a career in the modern rail sector and perhaps also get involved with the heritage one too.
Swanage Railway Dorset. Britain.
It is hoped that community groups and rail interested groups may also want to get involved.
Heritage Railway Association
The Heritage Railway Association which works with 200 plus heritage lines. They have published just a few of the plans for 2025 on their website:
The National Railway Museum’s 50th birthday celebrations. Including the summer re-opening of its refurbished and refreshed Station Hall, home to the Royal carriages. Plus the Railway 200 themed Young Railway Photographer of the Year competition, now open for entries.
The Flying Scotsman rebuild in the National Railway Museum in York.
Railway 200-related activity, including a summer festival, at Locomotion museum in Shildon, on the route of the original Stockton and Darlington Railway.
The launch of a Railway 200 merchandise range for early next year, developed in partnership with the National Railway Museum.
A competition to choose the UK’s favourite rail art, with Art UK.
A steam gala event in January by the Severn Valley Railway. Attended by the largest gathering of representatives from heritage railways across the UK.
Amusing use of the name at Settle Station on the Carlisle Settle Railway line Yorkshire.
A Railway 200-themed Community Rail Week in May, from the Community Rail Network.
Spring Steam Spectacular in early May on the West Somerset Railway.
West Somerset Railway shops helps to support the trains.
Rail festival in Sussex from June to August, organised by the Bluebell Railway. This aims to attract more than 80,000 people, including 18,000 schoolchildren. Learning about STEM-related careers in the railway.
Railway Children Film Location
During July to September, the Keighley & Worth Valley Railway, near Bradford. (UK City of Culture in 2025). Will host the Olivier an award-winning theatre production. The Railway Children. It will be staged in the location where the classic film was shot. The production includes a steam train journey for the audience.
The Watercress Line in Hampshire is working with over 200 individuals. And community groups to create a giant textile timeline of train travel. Inviting poets and other wordsmiths to submit work inspired by rail’s 200th anniversary.
Watercress Line Illumination.
Southeast Communities Rail Partnership will be producing 200 ‘blue plaques’ to celebrate 200 people connected to its railway lines.
Community events from Swanage Railway in Dorset to coincide with its 140th birthday.
Swanage Railway Dorset. Britain.
Celebration, in July, of the Heart of Wales Line by the Heart of Wales Community Rail Partnership.
August Bank Holiday show at the Isle of Wight Steam Railway.
BCIMO, a national innovation centre in Dudley, will be hosting a family day in May.
The Heart of England Community Rail Partnership will be working with local artists. And schools to produce a celebratory banner.
Scouts and Guides Join In
The Scouts and Guides will create a special Railway 200 badge. For worldwide use.
Museums will host a range of bicentenary-focused activities.
The North York Moors Railway will launch a new 200 Trail, packed with activities.
A celebration and awards ceremony in London in July. To coincide with the 150th anniversary of the Railway Industry Association, representing rail’s supply chain.
Commemorative events at: the National Trust cottage in Wylam, Northumberland. Where rail pioneer George Stephenson was born; Holy Trinity Church, Chesterfield and where he is buried. Plus Stephenson College, Durham University, where he is honoured.
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Railway 200 is a partner-led programme of activities and events across the UK. Supported by the rail industry, the UK Government. With Transport Scotland, Transport for Wales. Also the Northern Ireland Executive. Plus rail and business bodies, civic and community groups and a wide range of other partners. Including Visit Britain and the Museums Association.
Labour Rail Minster Boosts. Railway 200
The new Labour Rail Minister Lord Hendy said: “Railway 200 presents an exciting opportunity to unite the wider public. In recognition of our rail network and the brilliant people who keep it running. I hope this year-long series of events and celebration encourages the next generation to consider a career in rail.”
Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill CBE. Minister of State (Minister for Rail)
It is thought the very first event will happen on January 1st at Noon. With a 200th anniversary ‘Whistle-Off’ of vintage locomotives at sites around the UK, organised by the Heritage Railway Association.
I recommend that over the coming months that you keep an eye out for events at a heritage railway near to you as you can certainty expect one!
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