Programme of special events will mark railway's 50th birthday

Llangollen Railway is planning a series of special events to celebrate its 50th Birthday Weekend on September 11-13.

This commemorates half a century since the very first open day at Llangollen Station held by members of the Flint & Deeside Railway Preservation Society.

This came not long after they took on the lease of the derelict station and trackbed towards Berwyn from Clwyd - later Denbighshire - County Council. 

* A derelict Llangollen Station as it was in June 1975 just before its restoration began. 

From this modest start the dedicated team of volunteers - and later paid staff - would go on to give provide a treasured 10-mile heritage railway that would receive international acclaim and become one of North Wales’s leading tourist attractions.   

Over the years they have faced many challenges the latest of which came only last week when Austin 1, the railway's very first steam locomotive and planned star of the anniversary weekend, had to be taken out of service for boiler repairs. 

But the show will go with, most likely, the GWR Pannier Tank No 7754 - itself with a proud history - taking Austin1’s place. 

On Friday September 12 the timetable will reflect the development of the railway from 1975 - with special services starting in Llangollen station (1975) and then running onwards in stages to Goods Junction (1981), Pentrefelin (1982), Berwyn (1985/6), Deeside (1990), Glyndyfrdwy (1993), Carrog (1996) and finally Corwen (2014-2023), where we finally completed the founders' vision in opening a permanent and purpose-built new station in 2023. 

Railway press officer Terry Pickthall said: "We will also recreate our original opening ceremony for the first train in Llangollen station, with Bob Heddon, who is our Honorary Trust President, former Trust Chairman and longstanding LR Volunteer and supporter, cutting a ceremonial ribbon. 

 

"On Saturday September 13 we will operate a busy timetable using our steam, diesel and railcar fleet, which we have proudly built up, restored and maintained over the last 50 years. 

"From 6pm we are holding a 50^th birthday party and extend a warm invitation to both visitors and the local community to come and celebrate with us. All are welcome and it's free entry. 

"Our new station bar will be open and a food stall will be on site. The evening will have a 70’s and 80’s theme that reflects our early preservation with a DJ and live band Electric Reflex to entertain us. There will also be a food van available and the bar is open until 10.30pm.

 

"On the Sunday we are having a Dydd Cymru/Welsh Day, where we will celebrate the Welsh language, hope to welcome a Welsh choir and celebrate the pending Owain Glyndŵr day, given his links to the Dee Valley and Corwen.

 

"There will also be a miniature railway at Llangollen Station on Saturday along with talks and demonstrations from our volunteers, photo displays and tours of our engine shed throughout the weekend.

 

"We look forward to celebrating our special occasion with everyone."

* Austin 1 surrounded by volunteers in 1981.

* An open weekend at the railway after its revival began on September 13 1975.

* Another picture from the archives taken in 1976.

 * Glyndyfrdwy Station in its pre-restored state in 1990.

* ... and how it is today.