Bluebell Railway announces provisional reopening date to coincide with 60th birthday

The heritage railway said the provisional date allowed time for some of its staff and volunteers to return to work in mid-July to carry out the necessary safety checks before running steam trains again.

The railway closed on Friday, March 20 because of the global pandemic.

Chris Hunford, chairman of Bluebell Railway, said: “There will be a phased reopening starting on 7 August and what better way to celebrate the milestone of 60 years of operating than to reopen for business.

“The railway’s priority will be on providing everyone with a safe and enjoyable day out.”

The railway says it will initially run trains at weekends and then increase its weekday services if there is sufficient demand.

All tickets will be pre-booked and the line will be using its historic carriages comprising compartments rather than open carriages to ensure groups of people can travel together while maintaining social distancing.

It will also have dedicated entry and exit lanes at its Sheffield Park headquarters and enhanced train cleaning measures.

Mr Hunford said: “As we take these small steps, our plans will remain under constant review.

“We would like to thank everyone for their support and patience during the lockdown and, in particular, all those who have given generously to our Emergency Appeal which has raised enough money for now to allow us to reopen.”

The Bluebell Railway has set out more details about its reopening plans on its website at www.bluebell-railway.com/news/provisional-reopening-date/.

There are also answers to Frequently Asked Questions at www.bluebell-railway.com/news/provisional-reopening-date/reopening-faqs/.

The first public trains on the reopened Bluebell Railway operating as a heritage line were on Sunday, August 7 1960.