The East Lancashire Railway (ELR) has announced a wide programme of children’s adventure days and Jubilee celebrations for this spring.

A Day Out With Thomas

Until the 2nd May, Thomas the Tank Engine is set to make an appearance on the ELR. During the weekend, Thomas will haul trains between Bury and Ramsbottom. At the Bury Transport Museum, just across the road from the station, there will be live entertainment all day. Activities include sing-alongs with Sodor’s cheeky station sweepers Rusty & Dusty, balloon modelling, a magician, arts and crafts, funfair rides, and face painting.

A Day Out With Thomas will take place again later this year in August and October.

Jubilee Weekend Extravaganza

A Jubilee Weekend event will take place from Friday 3rd to Sunday, 5th June to celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. The weekend will on the theme of The best of 1940s and 1950s Britain”, and all along the line passengers will find a host of fun entertainment from the era.

There will be acts such as the Washboard Resonators, the Rum and Cola Girls, Kitty LaMare, and the George Formby Appreciation Society, as well as a chance to meet the performer nicknamed the ‘young Queen Elizabeth’, Hattie Bee.

Flypasts from two iconic aircraft from the period will take place, with a Hurricane at 1.25 pm on 4th June and a Spitfire roaring overhead at 2.27 pm on 5th June.

One, two, and three-day tickets are available for the weekend.

Wizards’ Academy

A Wizarding Adventure will take place on Wednesday, 1st June. This is an interactive day out for all aspiring witches and wizards, when magicians of all abilities can gather and enjoy mastering their wand waving, improving their broomstick skills, and defeating evil forces. Alongside the wizard-themed activities and photo opportunities, guests can enjoy a two-hour train experience with the region’s best enchanters.

Owing to its popularity, the ELR will be running more Wizarding Adventures later this year.

The Dino Adventure

During The Dino Adventure, which takes place on Thursday, 2nd June, adults and children can meet herds of dinosaurs and enjoy other entertaining activities while being transported on a time-travelling steam train. Visitors can complete their prehistoric journey by visiting the Bury Transport Museum, located right across from Bury Bolton Street Station. More Dino Adventures will run later this year.

Father’s Day Specials

On Saturdays, 14th May and 25th June, Red Rose Dining and Wine Tasting experiences are ideal for a relaxing Father’s Day evening, or for something more glamorous, a Premium Night is a perfect choice. A red carpet welcome will be followed by a prosecco reception and a full four-course meal

The ELR has also brought back its photography experience where guests get the chance to go on a behind-the-scenes tour with the chance to take photos in the Engine Shed and other places the general public never gets to explore. The photography experiences take place on Saturdays, 14th May, 9th July, 20th August, and 10th September.

Gift vouchers are available for all events and fine dining experiences, and can be purchased directly from ELR’s website at http://www.eastlancsrailway.org.uk