After many years of being just out of town at the Garn Lakes, Blaenavon's Heritage Railway finally arrives at the end of May and will be running trains from the High Level Station on the Varteg Road. 2010 is going to be a very busy year for the railway with a lot of family events going on as well as something for the enthusiast. The little engines come out to play on June 19/20 whilst July 17/18 the big diesels are in town. Yet again Ivor the Engine will be paying a visit in August, whilst the big steam gala on September 18/19 has City of Truro, the first ever steam locomotive to achieve 100 mph, as star of the show.

For something a little different there is a 1940s weekend (and beer festival) on July 10/11 and fancy dress is encouraged, whilst if you really want to dress up outlandishly look out for the spooky ghost train on the 30/31st October. On the 4/5 September the railway is holding a Charities Weekend and anybody wishing to raise funds and awareness is free to come along. On the Saturday the British Legion will be there with their motorbikes. Also new for 2010 is a new steam locomotive, which has been brought for use on the railway. In its Indian red livery it is bound to stand out as it hauls the trains from Blaenavon to the Whistle Inn. With 2010 promising to be the biggest year in the railway’s history, why not go along and be part of it?

Events for 2010 – Steam unless otherwise stated

June 19/20 - Taffy the Tank Engine and Friends (mixed traction)
June 26 - Blaenavon World Heritage Day (mixed traction)
June 27 - Garn Lakes Day
July 3/4 - Model Railway Show
July 10/11 - 1940s weekend and beer festival
July 17/18 - Diesel Gala (Diesel only)
August 14/15 - Ivor the Engine
August 29/30 - Transport Rally and 1960s weekend (mixed traction)
September 4/5 - Charities Weekend
September 18/19 - Autumn Steam Gala home fleet plus visitor
September 25/26 - Southern Region with Altitude and 1198 50th (Diesel only)
October 9/10 - Class 37, 50th Anniversary (Diesel only)
October 30/31 - Ghost Train
November 28 and December dates- Santa Steam Specials

For more details of these events please either phone the Railway Shop on 01495 792263 or visit www.pontypool-and-blaenavon.co.uk|.