The Somerset and Dorset Railway at Midsomer Norton has announced that their line should hopefully welcome passengers from Saturday 22nd of May.

Following the “Roadmap out of lockdown” plan announced by the UK Government on Monday 22nd February, the heritage line has reviewed the roadmap to see when they can reopen.

Due to the nature of preserved railway at Midsomer Norton, they have agreed Saturday 22nd of May is the most appropriate date.

This is because passengers cannot get off the train until they arrive back at Midsomer Norton, so it is classed as an experience rather than a journey from one end to the other.

Over the next just under three months, volunteers, working to restrictions, will prepare the infrastructure, rolling stock and traction ready to haul passenger trains once again.

To celebrate the reopening of the railway, four special events have been planned so far, these are:

Grand Reopening – May, Saturday 22nd & Sunday 23rd

– Sentinel Works No.7109 “Joyce” and Class 03 No.D2128 ‘Top and Tail’ trains

Family Weekend! – Saturday 29th (Diesel), Sunday 30th and Monday 31th of May (Steam)

– Fun activities for all the family, trains will be operating in a Top and Tail setup

Fathers Day “Steam Teas” – Sunday 20th of June

– Cream Tea specials No.7109 “Joyce” and No.D2128 Top and Tail

Mixed Traction Gala – Friday 2nd to Sunday 4th of July

– Four engines haul both freight and passenger trains, with even Double-headed trains

More events and details are to be announced once they are finalised.

For more information or to support the Somerset and Dorset Railway at Midsomer Norton, please visit their website here.

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