Three-day event at Spa Valley for steam, diesel and real ale fans
STEAM, diesel and real ale enthusiasts will all be catered for in a gala at the Spa Valley Railway on October 7-9.
The occasion will be the Tunbridge Wells-based railway’s 11th Real Ale and Cider Festival, which is described by commercial manager Jonnie Pay as one of the Spa Valley’s most important annual events. One of the undoubted highlights will be a selection of more than 200 real ales and ciders on sale at Tunbridge Wells West, where there will also be food stalls and live entertainment, and at Groombridge and Eridge stations.
Beer and ciders will also be available on trains operating between Tunbridge Wells West and Eridge from 9.30am-11pm on October 7/8 and 10.30am-6.30pm on October 9, with motive power being shared by Austerity 0-6-0 No. 2890 Douglas, Class 25 D7612, Class 31 No. 31430 Sister Dora (previously D5695) and Class 33 No. 33063 R.J.Mitchell (D6583).
No. 2890 was built for the War Department by Hunslet Engine Co in 1943 as an 0-6-0ST, was converted into an 0-6-0 tender locomotive in the late 1990s, and is on loan from the East Lancashire Railway, during which time is has become popular with crews and the public alike.
In hailing the festival as one of the railway’s most important annual events, which will run in association with the West Kent branch of the nationwide Campaign for Real Ale, Jonnie said: “It raises essential funds to help us keep running for all to enjoy. It is also very popular and allows us to invite other local businesses to provide food, drink and entertainment for our visitors.”
The railway is offering tickets at a discounted price if bought online, with adult all-day rover tickets at £25, two days at £35, and three days for £45, and evening tickets from 6pm at £15. Details are available online at www.spavalleyrailway.co.uk