Dedicated Swanage Railway volunteers are to stage a nostalgic fundraising three-day Roads To Rail steam rally next to Norden station, near the village of Corfe Castle – bringing the Isle of Purbeck to life with evocative re-creations of a bygone age.
Featuring more than 60 traction and miniature engines, steam rollers and showman’s engines – as well as fairground rides, trade stalls, food stalls, bar and live music – the family-friendly three-day yesteryear gathering takes place from Friday, June 27 to Sunday, June 29, from 10am to 11.30pm on the Friday and Saturday and 10am to
5pm on the Sunday.
New Roads To Rail attractions this year are the Dorset Axeman from Sturminster Newton, falconry displays from the Liberty’s Owl, Raptor and Reptile Centre, based at Ringwood in Hampshire, and a children’s treasure hunt on each of the three days. There will also be the chance to visit the fascinating footplate of one of the Swanage Railway’s heritage steam locomotives next to the ‘Roads to Rail’ showground. A special intensive steam train service between Norden, Corfe Castle and Swanage will be operating, including a special evening heritage diesel service on the Friday and Saturday.
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Now in its fifth year – and featuring a main arena, side arena and bar tent – the popular Roads To Rail event was first staged in August 2021.
Volunteer Swanage Railway Company commercial director Alexander Atkins (pictured courtesy of Andrew PM Wright), who is also a volunteer steam locomotive driver on the Swanage Railway as well as the deputy chair of the Swanage Railway Trust, said: “With more exhibits than ever before, we are very proud to be hosting our fifth Roads To Rail steam rally which combines the nostalgia of steam rail travel with steam powered traction engines, steam rollers and vintage fairground rides.
“Going from strength to strength against the backdrop of the ruins of Corfe Castle – and with two arenas this year – this is an evocative festival of steam large and small for all of those who love vintage steam-powered vehicles on the road or on the rails.
“Last year’s Roads To Rail was incredibly successful and this year, more than 100 exhibitors have confirmed their attendance.
“Our ‘Roads to Rail’ steam rally is a great day out for all the family and we hope that it will again draw in the crowds. Special events like this are critical for helping to fund the continued operation and development of the Swanage Railway, as well as drawing visitors to the wonderful Isle of Purbeck ahead of the main summer season.
“The steam rally takes a lot of dedicated planning and organising from our staff and volunteers and I would like to pay tribute to all the hard work that has been put into the event.”
A combined train ride from Swanage to Norden and return – with entry to the showground – is £30 for adults, £11 for children aged five to 15 and £76 for a family of two adults and three children. Entry to the showground only is £10 for adults and free for children under 16, and £20 for a family of two adults and two children aged five to 15. Evening entry to the showground from 6pm is £5 for adults with children under 16 free. Day parking at Roads To Rail is free.
