Steam is back on Manx Electric to mark its double anniversary year

A YEAR’S notice has been given for those wishing to join the celebrations planned across the two Isle of Man railways that are both marking landmark anniversaries in 2023.

July next year will see the 150th anniversary of the Isle of Man Steam Railway’s opening of the Douglas to Peel route, which took place on Tuesday July 1, 1873. On the same date in 2023, which falls on a Saturday, the railway will operate a special timetable, with some guests to be confirmed to join in with the celebrations.

Port Erin station will also host a vintage fayre, with a special exhibition in the museum held for the occasion.

In addition, between Sundays July 23 and 30 the annual Summer Transport Festival on the island will also celebrate both this anniversary and the 130th anniversary of the Manx Electric Railways, the exact anniversary of which falls on Thursday, September 7, with an event planned for Sunday, September 10.

A plethora of events and activities are planned that will include a cavalcade on both lines and steam running on the MER. It will see the first steam on the MER since IOMSR Beyer Peacock No.1 2-4-0T Sutherland visited in 1998.

Manx Northern Railway 0-6-0T No. 4 Caledonia, which has recently returned to service on the IOMSR following axlebox and other associated work, will also be ‘on tour’ and is expected to be running on the MER during the eight-day extravaganza.

The Douglas Bay Horse Tramway will also be involved, with further details and events for the festival set to be confirmed in due course.