East Lancashire Railway is inviting five local heroes to attend the new and improved Santa Specials event this December – all you have to do is nominate someone you think deserves it!
The heritage railway is the heart of the local community in Bury and wants to celebrate those who have made a difference within the community or impacted peoples’ lives for the better.
Five heroes will be selected to attend the railway’s renowned Santa Specials event for free with their families for a truly special Christmas day out. The festive event has become an essential part of Christmas for many families in the North West, and this year it’s bigger and better than ever.
The heroes and their families will kick start their Christmas festivities as they make their way through an extended winter wonderland at Bury Bolton Street Station where they’ll meet old favourites like the elves as well as new characters including the magical talking Christmas tree, Mrs Claus and ELR’s very own Ice Princess before having a singalong with a chorus of musical polar bears.
The festive fun will continue aboard one of the railway’s unique and popular heritage steam trains where guests will enjoy an expanded enchanting voyage through the magical Irwell Valley during an approximately 80 minute round trip from Bury to Rawtenstall Station. On board, the families will meet Christmas characters, including Santa himself who will be handing out gifts while the merry brass band plays traditional Christmas favourites with guests encouraged to sing along.
Grown-ups can look forward to a mince pie and a festive tipple or soft drink while children get stuck into chocolate, juice and their brand new ELR festive activity packs.
If you have a local hero you believe deserves an extra special Christmas experience this December then tell us why you think they deserve to win using the online form. Entries close on 12.12.22. Enter here
The competition is not open to employees of the railway, however, volunteers for the railway can apply to be considered. East Lancashire Railway relies heavily on unpaid volunteers to be able to maintain and run its heritage trains, open its stations and host the events and experiences that the community loves. The railway currently has over 800 volunteers who donate their free time – mid-week or at weekends – to work in a huge variety of roles on the ELR. If you’re interested in volunteering at the ELR, more information can be found at eastlancsrailway.org.uk/
Mike Kelly, Chairman at ELR, comments: “It’s more important than ever to celebrate our local heroes who give back to the community and make a positive impact on people’s lives and we are thrilled to be able to give back to these people.
“The Santa Specials have become a staple in many families’ Christmas celebrations across the North West. The event wouldn’t be possible without the hard work, dedication and kindness of the railway’s volunteers so this event is the perfect opportunity to give back to other hard working, kind people who make a difference.
“If there’s someone in your life or your local community that has made a positive impact over the past year, whether it’s through the work that they do, the time they volunteer or any acts of kindness you think a light should be shone on then head over to our website and tell us why you think they deserve a magical day out with their families at the railway this Christmas.”
