Wednesday the 23rd of March will see the Severn Valley Railway provide a rare chance to go behind the scenes at Kidderminster Carriage & Wagon Dept.

Those attending will get the chance to get up close to rolling stock that is undergoing restoration and will be able to see work in action as well as meet some of the volunteers and apprentices who make it all happen.

The Severn Valley Railway (SVR) is one of many National Lottery-funded visitor attractions throughout the UK that will be saying ‘thank you’ to members of the public who have raised money for good causes by purchasing a lottery ticket. The event is part of the National Lottery’s #ThanksToYou week, which is taking place from Saturday the 19th to Sunday the 27th of March.

Over recent years, the SVR has seen funding of £1,450,000 from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, which provides grants on behalf of the National Lottery. The railway’s most recent award supported repair work to the Railway’s Falling Sands Viaduct with funding of £854,000 provided. An award of £95,000 has also been provided to help fund the restoration of the SVR’s flagship locomotive No 4930 Hagley Hall, which is planned to return to steam later this year.

Helen Smith, the SVR’s Managing Director said:

“Thanks to National Lottery players we’ve been able to carry out some significant, essential projects which otherwise would not have been possible. The repair work to Falling Sands Viaduct was crucial to the operation of the railway for future generations, and we are hugely excited about seeing our very own Hagley Hall take its rightful place back on the line once more.”

Anybody who wishes to apply for the tour must bring a National Lottery ticket or scratch card, with their place booked in advance due to very limited space.

To book a place please email: [email protected]