The much loved East Lancashire Railway (ELR) is ramping up for the start of a busy summer season – with a variety of exciting events in May and June.
ELR’s fun-filled family days out have something for everyone, from grandparents to children.
Thomas the Tank Engine, everyone’s favourite little blue engine, is set to make an appearance this May.
Guests can ride behind Sodor’s number one tank engine on a ride that explores the routes of the ELR between Bury and Ramsbottom.
There will be live entertainment all day at the Bury Transport Museum, just across the road from the station. Activities include sing-a-longs with Sodor’s cheeky station sweepers Rusty & Dusty, balloon modelling, a magician arts and crafts, and fun fair rides and face painting.
A Day Out With Thomas will take place across the May Bank Holiday weekend (30th April, 1st and 2nd May) and then again later on in August and October.
Celebrate the Platinum Jubilee of her Majesty the Queen in style in this best of 1940s and 1950s Britain themed weekend event.
Up and down the 12 mile line, passengers will find a host of fun entertainment from the era, with acts including Washboard Resonators, the Rum and Cola Girls, Kitty LaMare and the George Formby Appreciation Society, as well as chance to meet the performer nicknamed the ‘young Queen Elizabeth’, Hattie Bee.
Guests will also have the opportunity to see flypasts from two iconic aircraft from the period, with a Hurricane jetting by at 1.25pm on 4th June and a Spitfire roaring overhead at 2.27pm on 5th June.
The Jubilee Weekend event takes place on the 3rd, 4th, and 5th of June, with one, two and three-day tickets available.
The Wizarding Adventure is an interactive day out for all aspiring witches and wizards. After selling out earlier on in the year, the adventure day returns to be a place for magicians of all abilities to gather and enjoy mastering their wand waving, improving their broomstick skills and defeating evil forces. Alongside the wizard themed activities and photo opportunities, the train journey will take guests on a two-hour train experience with the region’s best enchanters.
The next Wizarding Adventure of the year will take place on Wednesday 1st June and due to popular dates more dates for June onwards will be released soon.
Adults and children will get the chance to hop aboard a time travelling steam train to meet herds of dinosaurs and other entertaining activities. Visitors can also complete their prehistoric journey by visiting the Bury Transport Museum, located right across from Bury Bolton Street Station.
The next Dino Adventure for 2022 will take place on Thursday 2nd June and due to popular dates more dates for June onwards will be released soon.
The Bury Agricultural Show is not one to miss, perfect for a full day out for the whole family. The original show, which was established during the Second World War, encouraged people to holiday at home and explore what local regions had to offer.
This annual event is no different – whilst raising funds for local charities there are also hours of entertainment, artisan produce and displays of farm animals and tradespeople. Festival go-ers can take one of ELR’s heritage steam or diesel trains to Burrs Country Park Station to visit the show.
The Bury Agricultural Show will run on Sunday 26th June.
Get the perfect gift for that important person in your life – whether they like to relax or enjoy an action packed afternoon!
The Red Rose Dining and Wine Tasting experiences lend themselves really well to a relaxing Father’s day evening. For those looking for something more glamorous, a Premium Night would be the perfect choice. There is a full red carpet welcome and guests are encouraged to wear their best formal black tie attire to indulge in a full four course meal and prosecco reception. The upcoming dates for this include the 14th May and the 25th June.
For those embracing their inner artist, ELR has just brought back the photography experience – for the first time since before the pandemic. Fathers and families will get the chance to go on a behind the scenes tour that will help them snap the perfect shot. Guests will even get the chance to take photos in the Engine Shed and other places the general public never get to explore!
Dates for this are 14th May, 9th July, 20th August and 10th September.
For those who can’t make up their mind, gift vouchers are available – covering all fine dining experiences – as well as events and novelty experiences like driving a train!
Gift vouchers can be purchased directly from ELR’s website.
To buy tickets or for more information on any of the experiences and events, visitors should click here or call 0333 320 2830.
