Heritage railway lines up a fun-filled month
WHILE the summer holidays are coming to end, there’s still plenty to enchant East Lancashire Railway (ELR) visitors throughout September.
The world’s most iconic locomotive makes its return to the East Lancashire Railway this weekend.
To celebrate the golden age of steam travel, the Flying Scotsman will take to the ELR’s tracks on September 3, 4 and 5 - a highlight in the calendar of steam train events.
The annual World Black Pudding Throwing Championships in Ramsbottom returns on Sunday, September 12, following a one-year hiatus as a result of the pandemic.
The action sees competitors vie to dislodge a giant Yorkshire pudding from a 20ft high platform by hurling the iconic blood sausage in the air.
It will be held from 11am to 4pm and there will be bands on the car park behind the Bridge Street pub until 9pm.
ELR’s Sundays in Steam on September 12 and 19 will see visitors taken on a round trip by a beautiful locomotive, L&T Trust 752, which was built in 1881 for the Lancashire & Yorkshire Railway and has only recently returned to service following extensive restoration.
The last big steam event of the year, celebrating magnificent steam locomotives of the heritage railway’s home fleet, will be one of the last opportunities for train enthusiasts to ride behind A4 60009 ‘Union of South Africa’ before it goes into retirement.
Taking place on September 17-18, visitors can choose a one, two or three-day rover ticket and ride as often as they like.
Booking has also opened for this year’s family favourite Santa Specials.
Visit the ELR website for bookings and further information.