The Leighton Buzzard railway saw 6,200 passengers travel with them through December 2021 making it their best festive period on record. The railway operated 107 trains through a 16-day period which included Santa Specials and Mince Pie Trains.

The railway also saw special events run through December such as the visit of a miniature steam engine, performances by the Leighton Buzzard Philharmonic Marching Band and special ‘after dark’ departures.

2021 saw high demand whilst working with reduced capacity, availability was prioritised to railway newsletter subscribers and saw over 500 spaces taken in the first 24-hour period, which represented 10% of all capacity for the whole of December.

In order to keep passengers safe, Leighton Buzzard Railway utilised both sets of carriages with one being completely cleaned between departures whilst the other made its 25 minute round trip.

Mince pies and punch were served to passengers ahead of departure and also following the journey were taken to visit Santa using intervals and a one-way system to provide social distancing. The Santa Specials saw all children under 12 receive a present.

The Leighton Buzzard railway and its hard working volunteers will be taking a well-earned break with services set to start during March. 2022 has plenty planned with a highlight being the long awaited extension to Munday’s Hill and the diverted route under the Eastern Link Road, as well as a variety of special events with details set to be published as soon as confirmed at http://www.buzzrail.uk