PRESS RELEASE
4th September 2024
Hallowe'en thrills and chills on the Kent & East Sussex Railway!
For a generous helping of magical mystery and spooky Hallowe'en surprises to please all the family this October half term head to the Kent & East Sussex Railway (K&ESR).
Magic Express (29th - 31st October 2024)
Photo credits: Modus Film
Aspiring young witches and wizards are invited to join the K&ESR's Magic Express for a spellbinding journey. Setting off from Tenterden, the steam-hauled Magic Express will run three times a day on Tuesday 29th, Wednesday 30th and Thursday 31st October.
Before boarding, every child will be given anactivity pack full of wizarding wonders.Then, oncethe young apprentices are at their seats,the K&ESR's officialwizards will testtheirmagical abilities with riddles and clue-cracking challenges. Learning wand control will, of course, be essential in order to unravel ancient incantations from the spell book and there will be some magical demonstrations too.
Onthereturn to Tenterden Station, eachchild will receive an achievementcertificate. There isalsoa competition for the best dressedyoungwizard or witch and plenty of photo opportunities,sokeeping cameras and smartphones ready is essential to capture some memorable snaps!
The Magic Express experience is suited to families with children aged 5-11 years of age. The journey to Wittersham Road and back to Tenterden lasts around 50-60 minutes.
Fright Night Express (Thursday 31st October)
Looking for something that offers chills as well as thrills on Hallowe'en itself? The K&ESR's popular Fright Night Express, steaming into the darkness, should fit the bill.
Also designed for families, including children aged 6-11 years, as well as adults, the Fright Night Express promises a ride that's full of surprises.Dress to impress in your scariest fineryand be prepared for some unexpected companions on the journey! Did the lights just dim, and what was that noise? With a steam train lending the perfect atmosphere, the Fright Night Express will set off into the darkened Wealden countryside, blowing a ghostly whistle.
Special entertainmentwill includejaw-dropping fire eating performances at the start of the journey, and a firework display (weather dependent) on arrival at Northiam Station, accompanied by a drumming troupe.
Jaw dropping fire eating displays
Photo credit: Stepstone Imaging
Free Hallowe'en themed children's activitiesareavailable from 5pmat Tenterden Stationuntil the train departsat 6.30pm,including badge-making andHallowe'enface painting.
Arriving early will also allow time to enjoy some refreshments, including hot food from the Tea Room, before boarding.Child ticketsalsoinclude a spooky-themedgoodybag to enjoy during the journeyand there's an onboard bar to cater for adults.
TheFright Night Expressis scheduled to arrive back at Tenterden Town Station at approximately 8:15pm.
Pre-booking for the Magic Express and Fright Night Express is essential and ordinary Freedom tickets are not valid on these services. Booking in advance for all other October half term services is not required but will provide a saving on ticket prices. Please visit the websitewww.kesr.org.ukfor full details and to book online.
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For further information please contact:
Alison Miles, Press Officer, K&ESR
Notes to Editors:
About the Kent & East Sussex Railway:The Kent & East Sussex Railway is a renowned heritage railway based in Tenterden, Kent, UK and operates as an educational charity. Built by Holman F Stephens, it was the first light passenger railway in Britain in the early 20th century and is today one of Britain's most loved and original heritage lines which this year (2024) celebrates the 50th anniversary of reopening. With a rich history spanning over 120 years, the K&ESR offers visitors an authentic steam and diesel-powered railway experience through 10½ miles of Wealden countryside in the beautiful Rother Valley, a designated National Landscape (formerly known as Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty). Staffed almost entirely by volunteers, the railway prides itself on preserving railway heritage, operating a diverse range of locomotives, and providing a unique glimpse into the golden age of rail travel. As testament to its appeal, the K&ESR recently (July 2024) received recognitionin Tripadvisor's® Travellers' Choice® Awards. The award honours businesses that consistently earn great reviews, placing the K&ESR among the top 10% of listings of places to visit around the world on Tripadvisor.