RAILWAY VOLUNTEERS MAKE IT EASY TO TRAVEL TO THE SWANAGE REGATTA AND CARNIVAL'S FUND-RAISING EVENTS

News Item from Andrew P.M. Wright - 27th July 2012
Official photographer & press officer, Swanage Railway.
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An evening train service at Swanage station. Photo Andrew P.M. Wright

Dedicated Swanage Railway volunteers are supporting the town's annual regatta and carnival by running extra trains so revellers can leave their cars at Norden Park & Ride and let the train take the strain.

Evening trains will be running from Norden Park & Ride to Swanage throughout Carnival Week which runs from Saturday, 28 July to Saturday, 4 August, 2012, and raises money for local charities and good causes.

With the last evening train leaving Swanage for Corfe Castle and Norden Park & Ride at 10.35pm - last train from Corfe Castle back to Swanage departing at 11.02pm - tickets giving unlimited evening train travel costing just £5 for adults and £4.50 for children.

There will also be extra late night trains on Saturday 28 July and Saturday 4 August for the evening fireworks displays on Swanage seafront with the last train from Swanage to Norden Park & Ride being at 11pm. The last train departs Corfe Castle for Swanage at 11.37pm.

A Swanage Railway service approaches Corfe Castle station. Photo Andrew P.M. Wright

And additional trains will also be running on Sunday, 29 July, for the Royal Air Force's Red Arrows display team which is set to roar into the skies above Swanage at 1pm.

Throughout Carnival Week, steam trains depart Swanage and Norden Park & Ride every 45 minutes between 10am and 6.45pm.

Swanage Railway commercial manager Martin Payne said: "We're very proud to support Swanage's annual regatta and carnival week and our evening train service provides extra capacity for the events as well as the two busiest fireworks evenings in the seaside town.

"We are also running extra trains during the day on Sunday, 29 July, for people attending the dramatic Red Arrows display which is due to begin over Swanage Bay at 1pm.

A Swanage Railway service crosses Corfe common. Photo Andrew P.M. Wright

"The two fireworks displays are not to be missed and our evening train service from Norden Park & Ride to Swanage delivers passengers into the centre of town so there is no need to worry about the hassle of driving and parking.

"The final train departs Swanage for Herston Halt, Harman's Cross, Corfe Castle and Norden 'park and ride' at 11pm so people can enjoy the attractions and atmosphere of the carnival without having to rush back.

Swanage evening train service driver Ian McDavid. Photo Andrew P.M. Wright

"Our extra evening train service during the popular Carnival Week makes it much easier to get in and out of Swanage at this busy time when the roads are likely to be highly congested.

"Our summer evening train service is also great for an evening out in Swanage or Corfe Castle without worrying about driving or car parking - and it's also a great excuse to spend longer on the beach at Swanage," explained Mr Payne.

Outside Carnival Week, evening trains run on the Swanage Railway until Thursday, 30 August, 2012 (inclusive) with tickets giving unlimited evening train travel costing just £5 for adults and £4.50 for children.

Swanage Regatta and Carnival fireworks seen from Swanage station. Photo Andrew P.M. Wright

The 5.45pm and 7.05pm trains from Swanage run through to Norden Park & Ride while the 8.15pm and 10.35pm trains from Swanage terminate at Corfe Castle. The last train for Swanage leaves Corfe Castle at 10.55pm.

Swanage Railway train service details are available by following the menu links on the left of this page or by calling the Swanage Railway on 01929 425800.

Downloadable conveniently-sized 28th July and 4th August timetable. Click here or on the image.

Downloadable conveniently-sized 29th July to 3rd August timetable. Click here or on the image.

All photographs are copyright Andrew P.M. Wright unless otherwise noted.
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