Storm Darragh caused chaos across the Dee Valley last weekend and Llangollen Railway sustained extensive damage to its “Lapland” at Carrog and also had several fallen trees to clear from the line.
With this and dangerous travelling conditions the team had to take the difficult decision to cancel services on both Saturday 7th and Sunday 8th December.
However, the Llangollen Station Team and Father Christmas were still able to offer some seasonal cheer to anyone brave enough to be out and about in Llangollen on the Sunday.
Over the past few days dedicated staff and volunteers at the railway have pulled out all the stops to get back on track for the remaining Santa (from Llangollen) and Sion Corn (from Corwen) Services.
Robin Crowley, Volunteer Coordinator, said: “Storm Darragh has not stolen Christmas. Thanks to the incredible efforts put in by our team over the last few days we will be ready to welcome our guests back this weekend for the magical railway Santa experience we are renowned for.
"I’m truly overwhelmed by the dedication, energy and spirit shown—it’s been nothing short of amazing. Our grotto at Carrog made for a terrible sight on Sunday, with our marquee destroyed by the wind and decorations strewn everywhere. You wouldn’t recognise it now – it’s like the storm never happened. We can’t wait for our guests to see what we’ve achieved this weekend.”
Nicola Reincke, Training & Quality Manager, said: “We were so sad to have to cancel our services last weekend, but the safety of our guests and staff had to come first.
"However, the good news is, thanks to further outstanding efforts by our team, the railway is also able to offer two additional services for those who missed out last weekend.
"The two extra services we will run are: Saturday 14th December at 17:15 from Llangollen and Friday 20th December at 17:15 from Llangollen.
"If you had tickets for last weekend, full refunds are in process. If you had a booking that was cancelled, you will be given priority to book on these two extra trains and our office will either email or call you shortly. After that, these seats will go on general release, if seats are remaining."
Llangollen Railway has enjoyed a busy and successful 2024 season and 2025 will see the 50th anniversary of the first trains run in preservation, with a series of special events planned to mark the incredible achievement of a half century of running heritage steam, diesel and railcar trains in the Dee Valley.
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