Press Release
28 January 2011

Spectacular Three Day Steam Gala at
The Kent & East Sussex Railway

Photo courtesy of National Railway Museum / SSPL

All aboard for the annual 3 day steam train gala at the Kent & East Sussex Railway in Tenterden starting on Saturday 30 April 2011.

The Gala will begin with a spectacular cavalcade of up to nine steam locomotives arriving at Tenterden Town Station on Saturday 30 April at 9.30am.

The event promises plenty of excitement with a range of one-off workings and special events spread across the three days of the May Day bank holiday weekend. However, the star of the show is this year's visiting locomotive, 'City of Truro', which was not only the first locomotive to reach and pass the magical speed of 100mph, but the first vehicle of any kind to reach such a milestone.

There will be an opportunity to book a special steam-hauled Fish & Chip Supper, (advance booking essential), on Saturday evening.

Special events planned for Saturday and Sunday include displays from other preserved railways at Northiam Station, and an early bird departure from Tenterden Town at 9.30am (Sunday only). This will re-create a classic "mixed" train of passenger carriages and goods wagons for which the railway became so famous during the 1950s.

Double-headed trains, demonstration freight trains and engine changes will feature across all three days; additionally, there will be the opportunity to purchase refreshments and travel first class in immaculately restored Pullman car Theodora. A special bus service will run between Headcorn Station and Tenterden on Sunday and Monday.

A one day rover ticket allowing all day travel costs just £16 adult, £15 Senior Citizen, £11 Child and £43 for a Family Ticket. Two day rover tickets are £30 adult, £28 Senior Citizen, £20 Child. All tickets can be purchased in advance via the railway's online store.

A full colour glossy programme and the working timetable will also be available to purchase online once they are published.

Further details and a short DVD of last year's Gala event can be found at www.kesr.org.uk/video-lounge.html or feel free to contact the railway on 01580 765155.

For images or to request a press visit contact Caroline Edmunds at Pennington PR on 01892 616647.