Best of British Weekend: a right royal celebration on the rails
Heritage railway celebrates Jubilee with feast of entertainment and discounted tickets
The Kent & East Sussex Railway (K&ESR) is getting ready to celebrate Her Majesty The Queen's Platinum Jubilee, with a four-day extravaganza of everything British marking her 70 years on the throne.
The Best of British Weekend (Thursday 2 June to Sunday 5 June) isaright royal feast of entertainment and favourite British fayre - from Fish and Chip Friday to a Sunday Roast - along with trips aboard Britain's most iconic form of transport, including a newly restored steam legend.
In addition, the K&ESRare offering a discount on selected fares during the weekend. This offer is time-limited and only available with on-line advance bookings for adult and child tickets on selected services (see website for full terms and conditions) using the special code JUBILEE70 at the checkout.Tickets are likely to go fast so early booking is recommended.
The weekend begins with a special inaugural passenger service* for Victorian Terrier locomotive 70 ‘Poplar', following major restoration. The iconic Victorian engine is scheduled to run her first public service at 11.45am on Thursday 2 June, waved off by representatives from the Heritage railway; The Terrier Trust which is celebrating the 150thanniversary of these small but mighty engines, and local dignitaries including the mayors of both Ashford and Tenterden. ‘Poplar' will be joined by sister Terrier 2678 pulling services across the whole Bank Holiday weekend.
With tickets booked for a memorable train ride through the unspoiltWealden countryside,here's what else is in store for visitors to the railway:-
AtTenterden stationstart bycollecting aBest of British activity sheet then why not snap a selfie at the Royal liveried Jubilee telephone box or with the station's very own ‘Queen' - not forgetting to tag @kentandeastsussex (Instagram), @KandESRailway (Twitter) and @Kentandeastsussexrailway (Facebook) as well as the official Jubilee channels. Childrenwillreceive their very own royal crown andcan try out the selection of giant games on the concourse or get a special jubilee face paint (Thursday and Friday only). For classic car enthusiasts, Saturday and Sunday see the arrival of a rally of classic British models, while for those interested in folk traditions the Ladies Morris Dancing troupe Fiddle Sticks will be putting on a display on Sunday morning. Throughout the weekend the station tearoom will be offering a selection of classic British food, including fish and chips on Friday; cream teas on Saturday, with the option to add Pimms or Prosecco, and a hearty traditional roast on Sunday.
At the other end of the line,Bodiam stationwill be hosting a special display of Land Rovers (Saturday and Sunday), including one of only two knownremaining vehicles used during the Royal Commonwealth Tour of New Zealand and Australia in 1954. Passengers who join the 10:40am train at Tenterden will have the opportunity to visit neighbouring Oastbrook Vineyard to taste some of their award-winning English wines. Separate advance booking with Oastbrook is required to add the escorted visit to your journey (link on the Best of British Weekend page on the K&ESR website). Fiddle Sticks will also be dancing at the station on Saturday afternoon.
With so much on offer, all that remains is to don your best Royal-themed fancy dress or red, white and blue outfit, grab a Union Jack flag and join the party on the K&ESR!
Photos links:
Spring train arrival
Family watching a KESR steam train
Royal Tour Land Rover 1954 credit:Arne Barker
Fiddle Sticks Ladies Morris Dancing Group
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Notes to Editors:-
*The inaugural ‘Poplar' special is not included in the discounted ticket offer.
The Kent & East Sussex Railway runs from Tenterden to Bodiam, through 10 miles of the beautiful Rother Valley.It receives stunning TripAdvisor reviews and in normal years attracts more than 80,000 visitors. The railway is mainly staffed by volunteers and is looking forward to another successful season, now covid restrictions have eased. Kent & East Sussex Railway is operated by the Kent & East Sussex Railway Co Ltd, a charitable company, limited by guarantee and not having a share capital. Registered charity No. 262481.
Tenterden Town Station, Station Road, Tenterden, Kent TN30 6HE
For press enquiriesplease contact:-
Alison Miles
amiles@kesr.org.uk / 07900 691116