The Somerset and Dorset Railway at Midsomer Norton has announced its programme of events for the 2022 operating season which opens on Saturday, April 2nd.

As this is the railway’s first full schedule since 2019, there are plenty of events planned through spring and summer and into autumn. As in previous years, the final event of the year will be Santa specials in December.

Starting on Wednesday, 13th April, ‘Wickham Wednesdays’ will be running again this year. Visitors can take a ride in a Wickham Trolley over the full length of the operating line and give gain a unique view of what has been achieved so far in restoring the S&D towards Chilcompton.

Other events in April are ‘Easter at the Station’ and a Spring Gala.

Easter at the Station is on 17th/18th April and each ticket includes a hot cross bun or Easter biscuit and a hot drink or fruit juice from the railway buffet. For children, an Easter Egg Hunt is included and a special prize will be given to everyone completing an activity sheet and returning it to the station shop.

The following weekend is the Spring Steam and Diesel Gala from 22nd to 24th April. It will feature steam and diesel-hauled passenger and freight trains, and the latest addition to the railway’s fleet, a Class 107 two-car DMU will make its first rostered appearance. Also in action will be steam locos 7109 Joyce and 5459 Austin 1 as well as Class 03 and 08 diesel shunters.

On June 4th, a Jubilee Street Party will celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, while on selected dates there will be Midsomer Cream Teas with two scones, jam, cream, and strawberries.

All Day Rover tickets for the steam & diesel services and for most special events will once again be available and allow travel on any or all of the trains running on the chosen day. A possible itinerary could be a ride up the line in the morning. That could be followed by a look around the site, a visit to the shop, museums, buffet, and the intriguing new S&D emporium next to the buffet. In the afternoon, there could be another trip up the line.

Full details of the planned events and experiences are on the railway’s website at https://sdjr.co.uk/events?page=1