East Lancashire Railway steams into its 30th anniversary

East Lancashire Railway Steams into its 30th Anniversary

The East Lancashire Railway will be celebrating its 30th Anniversary on 25 July.

Although the line originally opened in 1846, it was thirty years’ ago on the 25 July 1987 that the East Lancashire Railway launched in its current form and ran its first passenger service from Bury Bolton Street Station to Ramsbottom Station. The train, hauled by No.32 ‘Gothenburg’ and ELR No.1, marked the return of regular leisure services to the heritage line.

To mark this special occasion the East Lancashire Railway will be hosting two private events, a Pioneers Lunch on 25 July for the founding members of the society and a 30th Anniversary Working Members Train on 22 July to celebrate the efforts of their dedicated team of volunteers.

Mike Kelly, East Lancashire Railway chairman, said: “We are proud of what we have achieved over the past thirty years; from our humble beginnings in Castlecroft Yard to what we are today, a twelve-mile line with seven stops that is one of the North West’s most popular tourist attractions.

"I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has supported us over the past three decades, visitors, staff, local authorities and of course our wonderful volunteers and the East Lancashire Railway Preservation Society, none of this could have been done without you. Thank you. Here’s to the next thirty.”

The East Lancashire Railway operates a 12-mile route between Heywood and Rawtenstall, using a range of preserved steam and diesel locomotives to haul vintage train services through the scenic Irwell Valley.