Railway reports steaming good festive period

* The Mince Pie Special leaves Llangollen station.

Llangollen Railway reports a very successful season of festive trains which were well supported by visitors from many parts of the UK and abroad.

The Santa Special trains were a sell-out in the pre-Christmas period and strong support was given to the post-Christmas series of Mince Pie Specials which brought the crowds to town.

The railway operated 50 steam specials when family groups travelled to "Lapland" at Carrog to meet Santa on the train. 

In a sell-out operation, 8,700 seats were sold to the regular base of family groups and additional strong support came from many first-time visitors. 

Parties came from a wide segment of the railway's catchment area, including the North-West and Midlands of England, as well as North Wales and even further afield.

From Boxing Day seven days of Mince Pie Specials operated 21 steam trains and, again, proved popular for families and organised groups taking advantage of the attraction which provides an all-year travel opportunity in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Aside from enjoying being served a mince pie and festive drink at their seats, some 60 parties opted to be served high tea during the trip through the Dee Valley. 

Others took advantage of the spell of mild weather to go for walks from the railway stations to enjoy the Welsh countryside in winter. In addition, three special trains were booked for parties to enjoy a festive meal, a Real Ale train and an excursion for members of the North Wales narrow gauge railways.

General Manager Liz McGuinness said: "We are delighted with the success of this year's festive season of trains which were as popular as ever. 

"The success is down to the involvement of our volunteers in manning the trains and stations and the operating staff in organising the events. 

"We have had many messages of appreciation from those who travelled and enjoyed their visit, many for the first time having a seasonal holiday in the region."

She added: "On Llangollen was the only standard gauge railway operating in North Wales as the mainline trains took an extended holiday. This was thanks to those volunteers who turned out to staff the trains and offer extended festive cheer to our visitors.

"The number of visitors attracted to Llangollen Railway over the festive period serves to demonstrate the economic benefit the railway produces for the region in what would otherwise be a closed season for attractions."

She went on: "The railway will now undergo a period of lineside maintenance during January. Train services resume on February 17 in time for schools’ half-term.

"We have a full programme of events planned for 2020, starting with Mother's Day on March 22 and the ever-popular Days Out with Thomas April 17-19.

"When all the building work is completed at Corwen, our new station will open later in the year. A full ten-mile train journey will then operate from a date to be announced which will involve some changes to the published timetable.

"This will be very appropriate in the year which will mark the 45th anniversary of the start of the project, in 1975, to rebuild what was then a derelict track bed and abandoned stations. 

"The epic restoration of the Llangollen Railway has only been possible thanks to the many volunteers who have contributed to the rebuilding and the large body of supporters, from all parts, who have contributed financially to the project. Without them it would not have happened.

"The Llangollen Railway Trust looks forward to on-going support in 2020 to ensure the heritage railway continues to operate through the Dee Valley and maintains its position as the No.1 attraction in North-East Wales."