The Kent & East Sussex Railway’s Santa Specials have been nominated for an award in this year’s Beautiful South Awards, and is also in line to be recognised as the Event/Festival of the Year.

The awards ceremony for the prestigious annual tourism awards being held in Brighton on Friday, 15 December when the railway hopes to collect a gold, silver or bronze award.

Each year the Santa Specials popularity grows, with many of the visitors who first enjoyed them as children, now bring along their own children, and even their grandchildren, to enjoy the never-to-be-forgotten magic.

Tickets for the Santa Specials are always in great demand, and regularly sell out well before Christmas, with 14,000 visitors enjoying them last year. To meet the increased demand, more days and extra services have been added this year, and some services still have seats available on selected services, including in wheelchair-accessible carriages.

For visitors, the Santa Specials provide an experience way beyond a 70-minute ride behind a heritage steam train. As well as a journey through the wintry Wealden landscape, the journey includes: age-appropriate educational presents for children; complimentary festive refreshments; a family photo; a magician performing on board and at the station, entry to the Winter Wonderland marquee; and unlimited free rides on the vintage gallopers.

Of course, Santa is the main attraction, and he travels on the train giving out presents and talking to children at their seats, ably assisted by his team of elves.

The railway realises that some people would prefer a less intense visit, so this year it is running a ‘Quiet Day’ service on Sunday, 26 November, which is suitable families who have children with special needs. Although on that day there will be fewer departures and no Christmas music, it does include all of the regular Santa Specials features.

A dedicated volunteers help to keep the railway running, one of whom is Chief Stationmaster Geoff Colvin, who earlier this year was voted VisitEngland Tourism Superstar of the Year for going ‘above and beyond’ in his role.

Another volunteer is Elliott Waters who was a finalist as the Rail person of the Year in the Rail Staff Awards. Elliot has a day job on the main line railway, but at weekends and for special events including the Santa Specials he devotes his time as a volunteer on the Kent & East Sussex Railway.

Booking details for the Santa Specials and further information is on the railway’s website at www.kesr.org.uk.

Kent & East Sussex Railway General Manager Robin Coombes said “We couldn’t be more delighted and proud that this legendary Christmas experience has been recognised in the prestigious Beautiful South Awards, which are rigorously judged by experts in the tourism industry.

“The award is a testament to the hard work of our team, including hundreds of dedicated volunteers who give up many hours of their time to help deliver such a special experience every year. We can’t wait to welcome everyone again this year.”