Foxfield Railway near Stoke-on-Trent started its 2023 season last weekend with a War Wheels Weekend.

The Foxfield Railway is a preserved standard gauge line located in Blythe Bridge. The line began in 1893, serving the colliery at Dilhorne on the Cheadle Coalfield, and joined the North Staffordshire Railway line near Blythe Bridge. It opens on weekends and public holidays between April and October.

The railway had held War Wheels events before the pandemic lockdown, but this was its first War Wheels Weekend since restrictions were relaxed.

The weekend event involved over fifty classic military vehicles and more than a hundred volunteers re-enacting wartime activity, dressed as portraying soldiers, sailors, pilots and civilians from World Wars 1 and 2, and more recent conflicts. A few wore international costumes, including French uniforms from World War 1 and Russian uniforms from World War 2.

Foxfield ran War Wheels Weekend in conjunction with the North Staffs Military Vehicle Group, and representatives of several veterans’ groups attended. Other visitors include Ian Herdman, Chair of Forsbrook Parish Council.

Activities included the firing of a World War 2 period six-pounder anti-tank gun, ‘living history’ encampments and drill displays. The Mel Baines Trio sang hits from the 1940s, and in the evening, The Mee Kats played 1950s Rock n Roll.

Four trains ran each day, headed by Kerr Stuart 0-4-0ST No. 4388, banked by the Thomas Hill diesel, and the Foxfield Miniature Railway also operated.

Other attractions included the Foxfield Arms selling real ale. The Railway also used the weekend as an opportunity to train new drivers on two locomotives.

Foxfield Railway has already scheduled War Wheels 2024 for Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 May.

Event organiser Matt Higham, said: “I was impressed with the volume of people through the gate, with over 400 people on site each day. The team of volunteers – some who decided to dress the part – managed to keep a smooth flowing site with very little hold up for the public during the day. And of course a big thank you to the North Staffs Military Vehicle Group being the main group displaying vehicles. I’m really looking forward to next year and hope to keep growing the event.”

Foxfield’s Finance Director Jane Bate added, “It was an amazing event to start the running season off. It’s really set the tone for the rest of the year at Foxfield. We hope we can build on the success and enthusiasm generated by War Wheels, and share that with our members and visitors.”