Great Central Railway prepares for full services

Image: Loughborough MP Jane Hunt unveils the new welcome sign on the A6 approach road to Loughborough accompanied by GCR Managing Director, Michael Gough.

The Great Central Railway (GCR) is now looking ahead to the next phase of recovery from Covid measures on May 21, when first class dining services, afternoon tea trains, and fish and chip trains can be re-started, as well as its cafés opened for full service. On May 25, its summer mid-week timetable is hoped to recommence.

The Great Central Railway restarted steam train services on April 17 and has already welcomed more than a thousand visitors in the three weekends since reopening. Its picturesque trackside cafes at Rothley and Quorn have also re-opened for takeaway and patio service at the weekends.

Commenting on the re-opening steps, the GCR’s Managing Director, Michael Gough said, “We are so delighted to be running again and welcoming back our visitors. Inevitably, ongoing restrictions and rules surrounding the pandemic continue to restrict the extent of our activities but these are the first few small steps to recovery and one thing that the pandemic has taught us, is to be grateful for 'little wins'."

Throughout the summer, the railway has a number of events planned including its first post-lockdown Steam Gala in June, its Beer Festival and Vintage Fair in July, Villains and Superheroes and Animal Fun in August and its popular War Weekend in September.

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