In September 1825, the first public railway in the world opened between Stockton and Darlington. Railway 200 is a national programme of events to celebrate this milestone. The Bluebell Railway are planning to mark this significant anniversary with a major event – Railway 200 @Bluebell Railway – which will feature not only Rail Past, as befits a Heritage Railway, but also Rail Present and Rail Future.
The Bluebell Railway is very pleased to announce that The National Lottery Heritage Fund [VW1] has awarded a grant of £250,000 to support this event. The money will be spent on attractions and exhibitions, and will also fund essential repairs to Horsted Keynes Station, where the event will be mainly located.
Bluebell Railway PLC Chairman, Neil Glaskin said “We are delighted by this support from the Heritage Fund which will enable us to put on a great show for everyone to enjoy and we hope find educational”.
Railway 200 @Bluebell Railway will be open to the public in August 2025. Immediately before this, in the second half of the summer term, the Bluebell Railway is ramping up to host many school children for educational and careers-oriented visits – plus, of course, the chance to travel behind a steam train. With school budgets tight, the Bluebell Railway is looking for sponsors who will help fund these educational visits.
Roy Watts MBE, chairman of the Bluebell Railway Preservation Society said “We exist not just for the conservation of the UK’s Railway Heritage, but to educate and enthuse young people a general interest in Railways. Both we and the rail industry urgently need an injection of youth to take up careers in the Railway Industry.”
There are many opportunities for businesses and other organisations to participate in this major event. Any business interested in sponsoring school visits should get in touch with
BRPS Trustee by email at roger.kelly@bluebell-railway.com.
For other enquiries, please contact
Business Development Manager jon.beardmore@bluebell-railway.com
