The Watercress Line is inviting people to “take a trip down memory lane” at a nostalgic recreation of the 1950s and 1960s next month.
Titled ‘All Change’, the event will celebrate what the heritage railway calls “the golden age of vintage vehicles, timeless tunes and the magic of steam train travel” on Saturday 15 and Sunday 16 June.
Throughout both days, diesel and steam trains will run in passenger service on the Watercress Line’s ten-mile route along the South Downs.
Passengers will have the option to hop on and off at its four heritage stations: Alresford, Ropley, Medstead and Four Marks (which recently opened a new signal box), and Alton.
Classic cars will be on show at Ropley Station, where singer Stephanie Belle will entertain visitors with songs from the fabulous Fifties and the swinging Sixties.
Also, at Ropley, visitors can get an insight into the Watercress Line’s restoration work in the Locomotive Shed.
At Alresford station, the Goods Shed will host a sale of vintage clothes.
Activities for children will include:
- pottery painting in the West Country Buffet at Alresford station
- photography fun at The Watercress Line’s selfie station
- the locomotive playground.
All activities will run from 10.30am to 4.30pm.
Alresford station’s West Country Buffet will serve hot and cold food and drinks, as will Ropley station’s T-Junction and Alton station’s. The gift shops at Alresford and Ropley stations will also be open.
More information and tickets are available here.
This season, the Watercress Line has already hosted a Spring Steam Gala and later this month will welcome children to Days Out With Thomas.
“We’re excited to bring the much-loved nostalgia of the 1950s and ‘60s to The Watercress Line for this brand new event.
“Book now for our fantastic All Change weekend on 15 and 16 June and enjoy the sights and sounds of this era when the spirit of change touched everyone’s lives and created an enduring legacy.
“The evolution of road and rail infrastructure sparked a sense of optimism, connecting communities at a speed never experienced before – and fabulous melodies filled the air, symbolising new-found freedom.”
Watercress Line CEO, Rebecca Dalley
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