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Embsay and Bolton Abbey Steam Railway plans 25th anniversary events

The Embsay and Bolton Abbey Steam Railway is holding a Mixed Traction Gala Weekend, to mark 25 years since the line was re-opened following its extension to Bolton Abbey.

While passenger trains started running through to Bolton Abbey in the autumn of 1997, the official re-opening of the line took place on Friday 1st May 1998, with the late Sir William McAlpine (pictured) as the principal invited guest.

To mark the occasion, the Railway will be staging a special Mixed Traction Gala Weekend on Sunday and Bank Holiday Monday 7th and 8th May during the Coronation weekend.

Detailed planning for the event has already commenced, but is expected to feature all available steam and diesel locomotives in action, including the unique and award-winning North Eastern Railway autocar and trailer, a special timetable in operation on both days, the excellent Stately Trains’ vintage carriages and saloons in use, invited guests, a display of rolling stock and a special display of other items of stock.

The Mixed Traction Weekend is an integral part of a wide variety of special events planned by the Yorkshire Dales Railway Museum Trust, which owns and operates the line, for its 2023 season - starting with ‘Alice in Wonderland’ over the Easter weekend, a Vintage Vehicle Rally in June, the ever-popular Beer Festival over the August Bank Holiday weekend and a new initiative for the festive season at the end of the year.

Trust Director and Press Officer, Richard Jones said: “The re-opening of the line through to Bolton Abbey not only helped to put our lovely heritage railway ‘on the map’, and was the culmination of a great deal of hard work and commitment by our volunteers.

"Our Mixed Traction Gala Weekend is not only designed to celebrate this important occasion in our history, but also to celebrate our railway as it is now and how far we have come over those twenty-five years, as well as looking forward to the next 25 years. We have much to be proud of.”

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