Heritage railway helps seasonal festivities start on a high note

Severn Valley Railway is running limited special night-time services over the coming weeks to whisk passengers away to some Yuletide musical entertainment.

The heritage railway is running dedicated Carol Train services between 27 November and 18 December. Departing at 7pm from Kidderminster, people will be taken on a half-hour heritage steam- or diesel-hauled journey to The Engine House at Highley. Offered a complimentary glass of mulled wine on arrival, passengers will be entertained by two different acts each evening, performing a range of carols and Christmas songs.

There’ll be brass and concert bands, a saxophone group and local choirs, all of whom will take passengers on a musical adventure that will really get the Christmas party started.

Charlotte Crowe, the choir leader of Got 2 Sing said: “Our singers are thrilled to be taking part in the SVR’s Carol Train events.

“We’ve been rehearsing since the autumn! The Engine House is the perfect venue for a festive celebration, and we’ll be in fine voice to get everyone in the Christmas spirit.”

The Bridgnorth-based Sunflower Saxes will also be taking to the stage on some of the Carol Train evenings. “This is such an exciting place for us to perform in,” said musical director Sally Oakes. “The sound of our instruments will fill the space with fun, swing arrangements of many classic Christmas tunes. For us, playing at the Severn Valley Railway is a big part of getting into the Christmas mood.”

Other acts taking part include Bewdley Choral Society, Stourport Brass Band, Dynamix, Nos Novem and Friends, Pershore Brass, Lutley Community Voices and Blackwell Concert Band.

As well as the festive concert, there’ll be time to explore the static heritage locomotives and carriages on display, and purchase refreshments. For those who choose to pre-book it, a delicious two-course takeaway dinner will be served, featuring wholesome, warming seasonal fare.

The evening ends around 11pm, following the return journey to Kidderminster. Compartments for four or six people and tables for two are pre-bookable here.

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