Railway 200 at Bluebell Railway in partnership with
Our Railway 200 event
What is Railway 200 at Bluebell Railway?
Railway 200 is a national programme celebrating 200 years of public railways.
A wide range of railway-themed events will be taking place during the year. The Bluebell Railway will be putting on the largest event in the South East, featuring rail past, present and future.
When is it taking place?
The Education Phase will run between June 2nd and July 2nd. The busiest days for schools will be Tuesday’s and Wednesdays, but we will also be welcoming children with special needs on Mondays and Thursdays.
We have special days for Scouts and members of Girl Guiding on 7th and 21st June.
The National Exhibition Train is with us from 23rd July to 29th July and the Celebration Phase – when we welcome the general public – runs from July 23rd to September 7th.
Once you have registered, you’ll be offered a choice of dates to volunteer.
Why should I volunteer?
Because it will be fun! The Bluebell Railway is a great place to spend a couple of days, and you’ll be helping our visitors have a great time.
You’ll also get a free return ticket to the Bluebell Railway so you can enjoy the Railway 200 event yourself.
Frequently Asked Questions
How will I get to the Bluebell Railway?
We will run a shuttle between East Grinstead Southern station and Horsted Keynes/Sheffield Park, or you can drive and park at Bluebell.
How many days am I required?
Please volunteer for at least two days – they don’t need to be consecutive.
Can I mix Education and Public days?
Yes
Can I do different roles on different days?
Yes
Will you provide training?
Yes – you’ll get joining instructions, you’ll be briefed on the day and there may also be some web-based training for some roles.
Could this be a team event?
Yes, please contact us. We do need people to volunteer for at least two days.
Can I drive one of your steam engines?
Sorry, not this time!
Volunteer Roles
We need lots of additional volunteers to make sure our visitors have a great experience and stay safe while they are with us. Why not be one of them?
We’re looking for Event Team members, speakers who can deliver stimulating presentations and rail safety workshops and volunteers to staff the National Exhibition Train ‘Inspiration’ while it is with us.
Event Support Team Member
Be a key part of the team that makes Railway 200 @ Bluebell Railway enjoyable and memorable!
The Event Support team carry out a wide range of general duties. You may find yourself looking after groups with special needs, helping visitors arrive and depart, running an activity, keeping the stations tidy, providing information and looking after exhibits.
No experience is necessary. Interested? Please register here for Event Support.
Inspiring Speakers
We’re looking for speakers for audiences of up to 200 people to cover a range of railway – related topics, including the science and engineering underpinning railways, the history of railways and its impact on the world, sustainability or you own personal work journey.
You’ll need to be a confident presenter able to inform and entertain an audience for around 45 minutes.
Do you have the skills for this role? If so, please register here to be a speaker.
Rail Safety/STEM Workshop Leaders
We will offer STEM presentations and a rail safety workshop to every child who visits during the Education Phase and over some weekends too. Could you deliver one of these to inspire a child or perhaps save a life?
The safety workshops will be designed by rail safety professionals, whilst the STEM workshops will be fully planned and resourced. You’ll receive online training where required.
Interested? Please register here and help keep children safe.
‘Inspiration’ Stewards
‘Inspiration’ – the Railway 200 National Exhibition Train – will be at the Bluebell Railway between 23rd and 29th July.
Timed tickets will be issued and we need stewards to answer questions and make sure visitors move smoothly through the National Exhibition Train. You’ll be based at Horsted Keynes, so there will be lots going on throughout the day.
No experience is necessary. Interested? Please register here.
