The Mid Norfolk Railway has announced that subject to government guidelines, it is planning to reopen on Wednesday 23rd June 2021.

This reopening will be followed by a Grand Reopening on the 26th and 27th June.

Debuting at the Grand Reopening will be two refurbished Maroon Mk1 and 2 coaches, and this will be hauled by steam locomotive No. 80078.

Also at the reopening will be the Greater Anglia Mark 3s that will see first use since entering preservation. 47596 Aldeburgh Festival in its new D1933 guise (BR Two Tone Green) will haul the mark 3 coaches.

The Mid Norfolk Railway expects to see trains initially depart Dereham and run non-stop to Wymondham Abbey Halt, where passengers can get off to see the locomotive run around, but must then rejoin for the train back to Dereham.

After the reopening, a series of special events will be held, including the Flying Scotsman visit, which will be held from the 2nd until the 17th of October, with the locomotive hauling trains each weekend.

The 1940s weekend will be the first special event of the year, taking place on the weekend of 7-8th August, shortly followed by the MNR’s Ales by Rails Festival over the August Bank Holiday Weekend.

A Diesel Running Weekend will take place on the 25th and 26th September, including a Gin Tasting Train on the Sunday.

After Flying Scotsman visits, the Mid Norfolk Railway will host the Rail Car Association’s Annual Meeting on the 23rd and 24th October as well as Halloween trains on the 30th October.

The season will end with the return of the Polar Express which will feature the MNR’s Mk3 coaches.

Throughout 2021, the railway will run the usual Jazz evenings, cream tea trains and fish and chip trains.

Full details and booking for these events are available on the Mid Norfolk Railway website.

Charlie Robinson, the Chairman of the Mid Norfolk Railway Preservation Trust who own and operate the railway, said: “Everyone at the railway is looking forward to running our passengers services again, it has obviously been a difficult time for everyone, but the railway has survived and we think our varied programme of events will appeal to all and the best way to support the railway is to come along and enjoy a trip through the beautiful Norfolk countryside.  Donations to support our ongoing development would also be extremely welcome!”

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