With the festive season fast approaching, heritage railways are gearing up for what they hope will be a bumper season, and the East Lancashire Railway is getting ready for its much loved Santa Specials which this year promise to be bigger and better than ever before.

Families can get their Christmas festivities rolling by taking an enchanting voyage on board a real heritage steam train through the magical Irwell Valley.

On the way there will be lots of seasonal surprises, starting with an extended winter wonderland at Bury Bolton Street station, where old favourites like the Elves will be joined by new characters including a magical talking Christmas tree, Mrs. Claus, and the railway’s very own Ice Princess. They can then join a singalong with a chorus of musical polar bears.

The festive fun doesn’t stop there, but continues onboard the trains during an 80-minute round trip from Bury to Rawtenstall station. Christmas characters will be there to greet their guests, whilst Santa will be on hand to hand out gifts.

Adults can look forward to a mince pie and a festive tipple or soft drink, while children enjoy some chocolate, juice, and brand new East Lancashire Railway festive activity packs. The festivities will be enhanced with a merry old brass band playing traditional Christmas favourites with the guests encouraged to join in and sing along.

As well as starting their journeys at Bury Bolton Street station, families can also start their journey at Heywood station where there is free car parking and a Santa Diesel Train Shuttle to Bury Bolton Street for the starting point of the steam-hauled Santa Specials. Tickets for the Santa Specials are priced from £23 for adults, whilst the shuttle tickets are £2.50 for adults and £1.50 for children. Tickets are on sale now and are available to book at https://www.eastlancsrailway.org.uk/events-activities/santa-trains/

Mike Kelly, Chairman at ELR, comments: “For over thirty years generations have been enjoying Christmas at ELR. Last year I met a family of four generations who have been coming every year since the first Santa Special was launched. This year our Santa Specials are bigger and better than ever before with lots of new festive characters to meet and an upgraded Winter Wonderland for an even more magical experience.

“Families can immerse themselves in the festive atmosphere with plenty of music, sweet treats for both adults and children, and a gift from Santa for the children. Guests also have increased time with Santa to have a chat and snap a memorable selfie.

“A trip to the railway’s Christmas celebrations has become a seasonal delight for many families and we’re thrilled that the improved experience will continue to bring the magic of Christmas to life with even more to see and do.”