YOUR EVENT

Event: Day out with Thomas

Where is it?: Rawtenstall station and Bury, Heywood and Ramsbottom stations.

When is it?: August 4 and 5 and October 6 and 7. The Fat Controller’s opening ceremony will take place at 9.45am, while activities will finish at 4pm. Who is it suitable for?: Children and families. What does it involve?: England’s most excellent steam railway experience, the East Lancashire Railway, is calling all little engineers to join Thomas the Tank Engine for a full day out unlike any other. Children can meet The Fat Controller, see performances by Rusty and Dusty, Sodor’s cheeky station sweepers and watch re-enactments of classic Thomas stories. There will also be Thomas-themed activities in the Imagination Station including table top games, colouring and Thomas films, along with magic shows, circus workshops and face painting. Any other information?: With rides behind Thomas and unlimited travel on steam and diesel trains along 12 miles of track through the stunning Irwell Valley, there’s so much for families to do. Day Out With Thomas takes place across the length of the railway and tickets can be purchased online at http://www. dayoutwiththomas.co.uk/ or from Bury, Heywood, Ramsbottom and Rawtenstall stations on the day. Visitors who already have their tickets can start their day out from any of the above stations. For information on how to get there as well as car parking, visit the dedicated Getting Here page on the East Lancashire Railway’s website. The event is great for any weather and is fully wheelchair accessible. For full information and to book your steam-fuelled adventure, visit www. eastlancsrailway.org.uk.