At the end of June 2024, the line from Marks Tey – Sudbury will be marking its 175th anniversary.

To highlight this milestone occasion of the Gainsborough Line, (named after the artist Thomas Gainsborough who was born in 1849 in Sudbury), the Essex and South Suffolk Community Rail Partnership (CRP) are teaming up with Greater Anglia, local organisations and volunteer station adopters along the line who together are putting on a series of events over the last weekend in June, Saturday 29 – Sunday 30.

Events on Saturday 29th June

The celebrations start off at 10:15 on Saturday morning.

Hugh Turner, a relative of the Chappel Viaduct designer Peter Bruff, will lead a free guided walk from Marks Tey station to Chappel & Wakes Colne station.

A special evening train will run on the line, leaving Marks Tey at 19:01. The train, named the ‘Old Time Music Hall’, will serenade passengers with live on board music, while some may wish to dress up in period Victorian costumes from the time when the line first opened in 1849.

Tickets are available to purchase at esscrp.org.uk/events/old-time-music-hall-train/ £5 per adult and £3 per child, the ticket includes a round trip on this train from Marks Tey to Sudbury and back.

Events on Sunday 30th June

The East Anglian Railway Museum will be hosting a series of events with steam and diesel trains running from 11am to 4pm.

Also in attendance will be a steam organ, traction engine and miniature railway, while the model railway will be open, as will the viaduct pub and Chappel Viaduct Art Display.

Locals will be granted free access to the museum, while those travelling to the event from further afield will have to pay the standard entry fees. More information can be found at https://earm.co.uk/events/chappel-175/

At 13:30 at Chappel & Wakes Colne station, an opening ceremony of the station will be undertaken along with games and activities.

In Sudbury there will be two lectures presented by Dr Steven Parissien at 11:00 and 14:00 at the Gainsborough’s House Museum.

The 11:00 lecture will follow the story and demonstrate how the coming of the railway changed people’s lives in Britain, while the 14:00 lecture will feature the changes in styles and ambitions of England’s railway stations.

Lectures are £18 each or £30 if you choose to attend both, entry to the museum is included in the price. To find out extra information and to book tickets for these lectures visit: https://gainsborough.org/event/175th-anniversary-celebrations-of-the-opening-of-the-chappel-viaduct-and-marks-tey-to-sudbury-line/

“We are delighted to hold this fun weekend of events with the help of our partners and Greater Anglia to mark this important milestone.

“175 years on and the line still plays an integral role in the area’s economy, enabling greater connectivity for residents and visitors, and we look forward to helping it continue to thrive in the future.”

Jayne Sumner, Rail Engagement Manager of the Essex & South Suffolk CRP

“After 175 years, the Gainsborough line continues to go from strength to strength, benefiting from the introduction of our high-quality and brand-new trains, with a regular and punctual service.

“We are grateful for the ongoing support of the Essex & South Suffolk Community Rail Partnership, our amazing team of station adopter volunteers, and other local partners in ensuring a bright future for the line and the communities it serves.”

Greater Anglia’s Head of Corporate Affairs, Jonathan Denby