Talyllyn set to stage Rev Awdry heritage weekend

A MAJOR celebration of the life and works of Thomas The Tank Engine creator the Reverend Wilbert Awdry is to be staged by the Talyllyn Railway over the weekend of August 14/15.

The Awdry Extravaganza will highlight the line's links to The Railway Series in its 76th anniversary year.

A once-in-a-lifetime exhibition, for which pre-booking is essential, features a selection of original artwork from The Railway Series, Rev Awdry's model railways (Farquhar branch and Ulfstead Road) displayed together for the first time in over 20 years, and his original History of Sodor lecture read by Tim Dunn at 7pm on the Saturday.

Visitors can also book a train ride behind Peter Sam and his friends from the Skarloey Railway, which was based on the Talyllyn.

The event will be streamed live worldwide via the Talyllyn's Facebook page throughout the Saturday, and the History of Sodor lecture will be broadcast live on YouTube. Tickets are available at www.talyllyn.co.uk/ events/awdry-extravaganza