Railway's golden anniversary reaches fitting conclusion

* Llangollen and Corwen Railway is powered by hundreds of volunteers.

Llangollen and Corwen Railway will bring its landmark 50th anniversary year to a fitting conclusion with a spectacular celebration weekend on September 12 and 13.

The event, "50 Years Finale", will see the railway operate an intensive timetable featuring steam locomotives, diesel locomotives and heritage diesel multiple units (DMUs), offering visitors the opportunity to enjoy unlimited travel across the railway throughout the weekend.

A special rover ticket, priced at £30 for adults and £8 for children, will allow visitors to travel as much as they like on the railway's special event services. Passengers can still book their normal tickets on the day, meaning they sample the atmosphere that makes the railway so special.

Dave Owen, one of the UK's longest-serving railway volunteers and a veteran steam locomotive driver, said: "When a small group of enthusiasts arrived in Llangollen over half a century ago, few could have imagined what the railway would become. 

"Today we have a thriving railway carrying record numbers of passengers and making an enormous contribution to the local economy and tourism industry. None of that would have happened without the determination, hard work and vision of the pioneers who refused to let this railway disappear.

* Llangollen Station was left derelict after the Beeching era cuts.

"This anniversary is about much more than trains. It is about the people who gave their time, skills and passion to create something truly remarkable. We are hoping to welcome as many of our founders and early volunteers as possible to the celebrations so that we can recognise their achievements and thank them for everything they have done for the railway over the last 50 years.

"The 50th anniversary year has provided a wonderful opportunity to reflect on everything that has been achieved over the last five decades, and this finale weekend will be a celebration worthy of that remarkable milestone."

Iain Ross, organiser of the railway's popular Branch Line Gala and a locomotive driver on the railway, said: "We want there to be a real gala atmosphere throughout the weekend, with steam locomotives, diesel locomotives and heritage railcars all operating alongside a packed programme of special events and activities. Whether you're a dedicated enthusiast, a family looking for a day out, or someone who simply wants to join us in celebrating this milestone, there will be something to enjoy.

* Llangollen Railway Station pictured in 1976 - the start of a huge journey.

"The railway is currently seeing record passenger numbers and attracting visitors from across the UK and beyond, which is fantastic news. However, while we celebrate our success today, it is vital that we recognise and remember those who built this historic railway. The founders and early volunteers including my late father, created something truly extraordinary from very modest beginnings, and this event will give us the opportunity to honour their achievements while showcasing everything the railway has become over the last 50 years.

"The event will bring together supporters, volunteers, visitors and founders for a celebration of the railway's past, present and future, and we look forward to welcoming everyone for what promises to be a memorable and fitting finale to our anniversary year."

As well as a packed timetable of train services, visitors will be able to enjoy a range of special attractions, including:

• An intensive steam, diesel and heritage railcar timetable.
• A special Ales from Wales Celebration Train.
• Behind-the-scenes shed tours, available to book online.
• Exhibitions and displays celebrating the railway's first 50 years.
• Opportunities to meet some of the people who helped create the railway.
• The railway is also hoping to welcome as many of its founders and early volunteers as possible as part of the celebrations, recognising the vision and dedication of those who transformed a derelict branch line into one of Britain's leading heritage railways.

The September finale will not be the end of the railway's anniversary programme. They will also host a special commemorative event featuring live music at Llangollen Town Hall on October 16. More details of the evening will be announced shortly.

Further details, the intensive timetables for the 50 Years Finale weekend will be released shortly. Tickets can be bought here: https://llangollen-railway.co.uk/50th_anniversary/

* Many of the original civil engineers still work with the railway team.