Engineering works at the railway have over-run which has led to a delay in the planned return of passenger services, meaning the railway is hosting a static event for Mother’s Day this year.

Dereham station will be open for Mother’s Day with families now able to book a special Mother’s Day Afternoon High Tea which will be served in a heritage railway carriage.

The event will no doubt be a big hit with Mum’s and will be taking place on Sunday the 27th of March with tickets now available via the Mid Norfolk Railway website: https://www.midnorfolkrailway.co.uk/motheringsunday

Charlie Robinson the Chairman of the Mid Norfolk Railway said:

“We are all obviously disappointed that we cannot welcome back our passengers in time for Mothers Day, but the work is essential for a safe railway.

“One of the challenges of running a heritage railway on this scale is that of maintenance. Our ongoing programme of development and routine maintenance both finds old faults from British Rail days, as well as repairing and replacing parts of the railway that just wear out. The last two years have proved exceptionally difficult to conduct the level of work we would normally be able to do and also the loss of income has not helped.”

The Mid Norfolk Railway is now planning to re-open on Saturday the 30th of April with a steam service for the May Bank Holiday weekend and as normal timetable services return, the railway will operate a selection of Steam and Diesel hauled trains alongside support by Diesel Multiple Units.

Further special weekends are organised for 2022 with the year-end hosting the well-loved Polar Express during November and December. 2021’s Successful ‘Kids Go Free’ group tickets have also been kept in place for standard operating days to allow the whole family to enjoy a day out at the railway enjoying the sights and sounds of steam engines and diesel locomotives.