Two railways in Staffordshire have partially cancelled events this weekend as a mark of respect for Queen Elizabeth II, who sadly passed away last week.

The Amerton Railway, a 2ft narrow gauge railway, says it plans to operate its Everything Goes Gala as originally planned on Saturday 17th September, but has cancelled its plans for the gala on the Sunday.

An Amerton Railway spokesperson said “Following the sad news of the death of Her Majesty the Queen we have reviewed our plans for our Everything Goes Gala next weekend. We will continue as planned on the Saturday, but will be cancelling the Sunday out of respect. We hope we can put on the same great show on the Saturday as we have in the past.”

Also in Staffordshire is the Apedale Valley Light Railway, who was planning to hold their Annual Gala this weekend. However, with the news confirmed that the Queen’s funeral will be held on Monday 19th September, the AVLR says that they will only hold the Annual Gala on Saturday 17th September.

On Sunday 18th September, the railway will be fully closed out of respect.

A spokesperson for the Apedale Valley Light Railway said “Following the sad news of the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, and the announcement of the date of her funeral, we have reviewed the plans for our Annual Gala. You may recall that this event was planned for next weekend, September 17 & 18. After due reflection, we have decided that the event will proceed on Saturday only. On the Sunday, the railway will be closed to the public as a mark of respect.”