Railway Gets in the Carnival Spirit!

Swanage Railway is again supporting the town's annual regatta and carnival – held in aid of local charities and good causes – by helping take traffic off the roads and helping visitors “let the train take the strain” out of getting into this popular daytime and evening events with fireworks.

Throughout carnival week, which runs from Saturday, 26 July, to Saturday, 2 August, 2014, there are steam trains from Norden Park & Ride, Corfe Castle, Harman's Cross and Herston Halt to Swanage every 40 minutes between 10am and 5.20pm.

And the special carnival week additional evening services mean that the last train departs Swanage at 11pm for Herston Halt, Harman's Cross, Corfe Castle and Norden.

The 350-space Purbeck District Council Norden Park & Ride car park – next to the station – is open on the fireworks evenings of Saturday 26 and Saturday 2 August as well as Wednesday, 30 July, 2014, thanks to the support of Purbeck District Council.

Tickets giving unlimited evening train travel from 6pm cost just £3.50 for adults and £2 for children, aged three to 15, with a family ticket – covering two adults and three children costing just £10 while children under three travel free.

Swanage Railway General Manager Richard Jones said: "We're very proud to again support Swanage's annual regatta and carnival week and our evening train service provides extra capacity for the events as well as the two Saturday and one Wednesday fireworks evenings in the seaside town.

"The three regatta and carnival evening fireworks displays are not to be missed and our evening train service from Norden, Corfe Castle and Harman's Cross delivers passengers into the centre of Swanage so there is no need to worry about the hassle of driving, parking and traffic congestion on local roads – helping visitors and residents.

"We are very grateful to Purbeck District Council for agreeing to keep the Norden Park & Ride car park open on the three regatta and carnival firework nights until after the 11pm train from Swanage arrives.

"The final evening 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 regatta and carnival without having to rush back.

"Our 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 Jones.

Swanage Railway train times and fares – as well as special event details – are available online at www.swanagerailway.co.uk or by calling 01929 425800.

Press Release by Andrew PM Wright
Press Officer and Official Photographer