7th May, 2024
The West Somerset Railway had a successful Spring Steam Spectacular from 3rd-6th May 2024 which saw an increase in sales of over 50% in comparison to the previous Spectacular in 2023.
The Spring Steam Spectacular is a yearly event for the West Somerset Railway. Visiting and home fleet locomotives haul services across an intensive timetable, maximising mileage and providing opportunity for passengers to experience rarely used sections of the track between Bishops Lydeard and Norton Fitzwarren.
The visiting locomotives were LNER B1 4-6-0 no.61306 'Mayflower', LNWR 0-6-2 'Coal Tank' no.1054, GWR 66XX 0-6-2 tank no.6695, BR(W) 6959 no.6990 'Witherslack Hall' and Hunslet 0-6-0 no.1873 'Jessie'. Supported by BR(W) Manor Class 4-6-0 no.7828 'Odney Manor', WSR Mogul 2-6-0 no.9351 and BR(W) 94XX Pannier Tank no.9466 which are members of the railway’s home fleet.
Brake van rides, on train dining and a photographic evening, were some of the additional attractions available to passengers.
The atmosphere across the railway from volunteers, staff and visitors was electric and a common comment from passengers was that this gala reminded them of the galas of the past.
Kerry Noble General Manager of the railway says “We are extremely proud and grateful to our Gala Planning Team for their efforts in organising such a complex and diverse event for our visitors. The feedback from passengers has been extremely positive and the event really showcased what the West Somerset Railway can achieve.
The Gala Planning team is predominantly made up of volunteers, who co-ordinate the event alongside their other life commitments, which highlight the amount of dedication and time that volunteers commit to the railway.
Plans are already underway for the Spring Steam Spectacular event for next year. Where we hope to provide another successful event.”