The Lappa Valley railway are organising a 3-day special gala to celebrate the major milestone of 50 years of operation.
Eric Booth officially opened the attraction’s 15 inch gauge line between East Wheal Rose and Benny Rose, located near St Newlyn East in Cornwall, in 1974.
Over the years, Lappa Valley has grown to have three lines and a total of thirteen locomotives.
From Friday, 14 June to Sunday, 16 June, the site’s 7¼ inch gauge Lakeside Railway will be hosting steam traction from other railways, while the site’s main line will see services operated by the attraction’s seven 15 inch gauge steam and diesel locomotives.
One of the engines present will be Lappa Valley’s first locomotive, Zebedee, which has been undergoing an overhaul for the past three years.
Meanwhile, on the Lakeside Railway, visitors will be able to take rides on Victoria, a narrow gauge locomotive which was recently converted to run on battery power.
Indeed, all of Lappa Valley’s trains will be running, and the event will feature double-headed trains and parallel running.
The popular Lappa Valley won Best Large Visitor Attraction in Cornwall in both 2022 and 2023.
Regular ticket prices will apply for the weekend gala, and discounts are available for multi-day tickets.
As one of Cornwall’s oldest and most loved tourist attractions, we’re really looking forward to celebrating 50 years of helping families creating memories.
Lappa’s history is so interesting and diverse, from its historical mining and railway background to the way the business has developed to welcoming over 100,000 visitors a year today. We are looking forward to sharing memories from the last 50 years and beyond.
We’ll be running double-headed trains, parallel running where two trains effectively race alongside each other on our double section of track; plus your chance to be a passenger on ‘The Cornishman’ non-stop service which travels straight through the station at East Wheal Rose once a day.
It’s very rarely we see all of our available locomotives running at the same time, and with services such as these so this is going to be a really special occasion.
Ben Harding, Operations Manager at Lappa Valley
We knew Lappa Valley was a special place the moment we first visited. However, we were blown away by the love people have for our little corner of Cornwall.
We have regular customers who have been visiting us over generations. Parents who came here as children are now bringing their little ones, and we love playing a part in helping families make memories together.
Even though Lappa has grown and evolved over the last 50 years, we’ve been very careful to ensure it retains its charm and reflecting Eric’s original intentions. We are confident he would be pleased with how his vision has grown and brings so many smiles to the faces of young and old alike.
We really look forward to celebrating with you on the 14th – 16th June.
Keith Southwell, Co-owner of Lappa Valley
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