The Mid Norfolk Railway will reopen on Saturday 29 April with trains initially running the twelve-mile round trip from Dereham to Thuxton, which has recently been rebuilt and is scheduled to fully open later this year.

Trains will run on the Saturday, Sunday and Monday with tickets available on the day from Dereham station. The station has plenty of free car parking, and children may travel for free with a paying adult on standard operating days this year.

During the Coronation weekend, trains will run on the Sunday and extra Bank Holiday Monday. The station buffet will be open for hot and cold food and drinks, as will the shop on standard running days.

Saturday 29 April will see the first ‘Heart of Norfolk’ afternoon tea service of the season.  This will be followed by a Coronation Tea Service on Sunday 7 May. Tickets for the tea service must be pre-booked via the MNR Website.  Standard ticket holders can still travel but will not be able to enjoy the tea service.

The first trains to run will feature the return to service of Mk 1 First Class Compartment coach, M13225, which has completed its rebuild. The work, the most extensive that the MNR has ever attempted, was made possible following a Government Heritage Fund Covid Recovery Grant.

The previously announced programme is being updated, but the majority of announced events will run. Details can be found on the Railway’s website. In addition to the special events, the Railway is launching ‘The Brecklander Ploughman’s Luncheon’ on selected weekends.

This will be in addition to the return of the ever-popular ‘Breckland Fryer’ fish-and-chip trains during the evening of selected Saturdays. The railway will announce ticket details for this year’s Polar Express shortly.

Supporters may donate to the Railway here.

Charlie Robinson, Chair of the Mid Norfolk Railway said: “We are all excited and also relieved to be running services again.  The last few years have been difficult, but the hard work is beginning to pay off.  There is still lots to do and I am pleased to say the ‘Back on Track Appeal’ has got off to an excellent start with £15000 raised in the first few weeks.  There is lots more to raise before the key issue of the bridge at Crownthorpe can be tackled and the eventual return to Wymondham”.