After a busy summer season which, despite the credit crunch, has seen Blaenavon’s Heritage Railway carry more passengers than last year, the railway rounds off the year with the ever-popular Santa Steam Specials. Running each December weekend and also on 21/22 December, the steam-hauled specials offer a treat for all the family with sherry and mince pies for the adults and a present from Santa for every child.

The railway finishes the season with its New Year trains on 2/3 January, and then the volunteers take a break from running trains whilst they prepare for the biggest event in the railway’s history and also one that is big news for Blaenavon - the reopening of the railway to Blaenavon itself!

Working hard over the past two years and with the aid of funding from the Heads of the Valleys Programme, the volunteers have been hard at work relaying track and rebuilding bridges and stations. Good Friday, 2 April 2010, is the big day when the first public passenger trains in almost 70 years will once again leave from Blaenavon High Level Station. A special guest steam engine (a GWR 0-6-2 tank engine 5643) has been hired for the opening and an intensive service will run on 2 /3 April, followed by the Easter Bunny Specials on Easter Sunday and Monday.

Bookings for the specials can be made by contacting the Railway Shop. Book early to avoid disappointment. Tel: 01495 792263