The Swanage Railway in Dorset are preparing to hold a fundraising mini steam rally next to Norden station this August Bank Holiday Weekend.

The event will feature up to 20 traction engines, steam rollers and showman’s engines.

Fairground rides, trade stalls, food stalls, bars and live music will also feature at the event, which will take place from Friday 27th August to Monday 30th August 2021.

An intensive timetable will be in operation between Norden, Corfe Castle and Swanage during the event, including an evening heritage diesel railbus service on Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings.

Camping pitches are also available at Norden, and these must be pre-booked on the Swanage Railway website.

Andrews Plant Hire, O J Fabricatiosn, Swanage Holiday Properties, Travis Perkins, Miles and Sons are sponsoring this new event at the Swanage Railway.

A combined train and steam rally ticket is £20 for adults, £8.50 for children and £53 for two adults and three children.

Entry to the showground only is £5 for adults and children under 16 are free.

Day parking for the steam rally is £3.50 per car.

More information can be found on the Swanage Railway website.

One of event organisers, long-time Swanage Railway volunteer Nick Lloyd, explained: “It’s the first time that the public will have the chance to explore and enjoy steam on road and rail together on the Swanage Railway in an event that everyone involved in it is looking forward very much to staging.

“It’s a chance for the public to step back in time for a long weekend of steam-powered demonstration and vintage fairground fun. Featuring traction engines, steam rollers, showman’s engines and more, our ‘Roads to Rail’ steam rally will be bringing the Isle of Purbeck to life with evocative re-creations of a bygone steam age.

“Taking place in the field opposite Norden station, the event is ideally located close to the historic village of Corfe Castle as well as next to the Swanage Railway and the access road to Dorset Council’s Purbeck Park long-stay car park for Norden station.

“Our nostalgic and evocative ‘Roads to Rail’ event, next to Norden station, will be on a small scale with an intimate and friendly family feel to it – perfect for both enthusiasts and the general public.

“A lot of detailed planning work has gone into the special event which is the first special event to be staged by the Swanage Railway since 2019 before the Coronavirus pandemic,” added Nick who is a driver on the heritage line.

Swanage Railway passenger services director Trevor Parsons said: “Our ‘Roads to Rail’ event is a first for the Swanage Railway and an ideal opportunity for the whole family to enjoy a super steam-filled day out.

“Visitors to our mini steam rally are welcome to attend in Victorian, Edwardian and pre-Second World War period dress – whether that’s in a showman’s outfit or a steam train driver’s ‘bib and brace’ – to delight in and soak up the period atmosphere during the long weekend.

“Any Government regulations in force will be followed to ensure that everyone can safely enjoy what is set to be a memorable and evocative August Bank Holiday event for all ages and interests – both enthusiast and the public,” added Trevor who is also a volunteer train guard and signalman on the heritage line.

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