The Lappa Valley Railway based just outside St Newlyn East in Cornwall has just celebrated its 50th anniversary weekend.

The award-winning visitor attraction held a special three-day gala from 14 to 16 June, which saw an intensive timetable with every operational steam and diesel locomotive running, with much whistling and horn blowing from the many trains that ran across the various gauge railways.

In addition to this, visiting steam engines and traction engines also attended the event to celebrate Lappa Valleys’ milestone birthday.

One of the many highlights was the return to service of “Zebedee”, a pioneer locomotive of the Lappa Valley Railway which returned after a rebuild which started in 2021.

A special event was held on the Friday evening with staff, members, family’s and supporters of Lappa Valley, attending a party which included food and drink, special train services, all before a celebratory firework display that lit up the nineteenth century engine house and the night sky.

Sunday morning provided an excellent opportunity to re-run the railways first ever train with Zebedee and three original coaches departing on service train at the same time to the minute as it did 50 years previously when the site first opened.

This was a very poignant moment as the train ran between Benny Halt and East Wheal Rose along the one-mile track.

That evening also saw a first in Lappa Valleys’ 50 year history, where the 16:05 train left Benny Halt behind six mainline locomotives and two sets of carriages, which is the longest train ever to run on the railway.

“It’s been an absolutely fantastic weekend. It was 50 years ago that Lappa Valley opened and wow, what an attraction it’s become.

“I just want to say thank you to everyone that came to celebrate with us, as well as those who have visited over the years and a huge thank you to every member of staff for everything they’ve done to make Lappa Valley the way it is.”

Ben Harding, Operations Manager said “I am extremely proud of the entire team for pulling off a memorable weekend of celebrations. A lot of hard work went into putting on something which delighted young and old alike.

“The grand finale saw hundreds of people cheering and clapping as the locomotives and drivers took their final bow. This was an emotional moment and we are grateful to all our visitors for showing how much Lappa Valley means to them.”

Keith Southwell