East Lancs Railway is about to get scary as line up of themed events announced

East Lancashire Railway has a number of themed events lined up.

The public are being invited to treat their dads to a Father’s Day treat with East Lancashire Railway’s luncheon. The experience starts with a trip along the Irwell Valley on one of ELR’s traditional steam-hauled Pullman-styled carriages, followed by a sparkling wine welcome drink.

The whole family will then be treated to a three course, silver served meal - complete with tea, coffee and dinnertime chocolate. Mike Kelly, chairman of East Lancashire Railway, said: “As a father myself who has enjoyed fine dining on the not to be missed ELR why not make this Father’s Day truly memorable with the Father’s Day Luncheon 2024.

“Treat your dad, even grandad, to a nostalgic journey along our heritage railway, accompanied by a sumptuous three-course meal served in style.”

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Tickets are priced at £67.50pp for adults and £54.50pp for children aged 12 and under and the price includes the train fare. The event takes place on June 16. A ‘scream train’ for Halloween is returning to East Lancashire Railway this October. The Pumpkin King and his motley crew of spooky scarecrows will leave the fields of the Irwell Valley and descend on the railway encouraging visitors to solve eerie mysteries.

There will be extravagant decorations and lighting to set the scene.

The pumpkin themed haunted house walkthrough and the ghoulishly decorated footbridge will see creepy characters including Zombie Bob and his Monster Squad roaming throughout, ready to help investigate with those who dare, alongside Veronica the Witch and Vampire Brian, all before the 60 minute long interactive ‘scream train’ ride through the Irwell Valley.

What to expect:

• Haunted house walkthrough featuring animatronic ghouls

• Real life actors ready to jump out and scare at a moments notice

• Friendly fiends from the ELR Monster Squad

• An hour steam train ride from Bury to the Irwell Vale and back with spooky live entertainment throughout the trip

• Fancy dress competition crowning the pump-King and pump-Queen

• A goody bag for every child full of tricks and treats.

Tickets cost from RRP £14 and are available to book on East Lancashire Railway’s website for an early bird 5% discount (code: GHOST5).

The offer is available until Saturday. June 1.

An immersive 1940s event will also be returning to East Lancashire Railway. This year the event will focus on the musical backdrop of 1940s Britain, with a lineup including vintage vocal harmony trio ‘Blue Bird Belles’, and vintage DJ ‘A Train Swing’.

The music scene won’t be the only highlight of the event, as food, fashion and memorabilia of the 1940s will also be brought to life. An atmosphere of hope and celebration will be recreated at this family event, capturing the most positive aspects of this unique period in British history.

To keep spirits soaring, the famous Avro Lancaster 1 will fly over Rawtenstall on Saturday and Monday. Attendees are encouraged to dress up in period costumes.

The uniform policy is available on the East Lancashire Railway website. The ticket includes a ride across the Irwell Valley on a genuine steam powered train.

Mike Kelly, Chairman of East Lancashire Railway, said: “The 1940s Weekend is one of our best attended days out in the annual calendar, and we’re delighted to see its return in 2024. It’s great to see the community, young and old, come together to celebrate this incredible time period, and to remember those who sacrificed so much for the country.

“This weekend is one you won’t want to miss, so make sure to book a ticket while you still can.”

The event will take place between May 25-27.

Tickets are available to book on the East Lancashire Railway website for the scream train and 1940s event.

Tickets for the Father’s Day Luncheon can be purchased on https://www.quaytickets.com/