Bluebell gets illuminated
THE BLUEBELL Railway has, for the first year, started running illuminated trains, under the brand Steam Lights, using the same production company as other heritage railways. Together with the Mid -Hants, which was also debuting this winter season, it has brought the spectacle to the south east for the first time.
The line resumed running on December 3, 2020 and extended its festive running season to January 31 to make up for cancelled services during the lockdown period. As well as Santa Specials, its offering includes festive afternoon teas and lunch trains as well as Steam Lights. The railway straddles East and West Sussex and both counties were placed in Tier 2 in December (high alert), which allowed businesses to continue to function in a COVID secure manner. The railway had been closed since November 5 as part of England’s second lockdown.
The Bluebell also reopened East Grinstead station for the first time since March 2020 for Santa Specials to take passengers to the festivities at Horsted Keynes station. The railway’s Sheffield Park shop is open and the station’s The Bessemer Arms offers table service and alcohol with a substantial meal in line with the Tier 2 regulations.