Elizabeths ‘go free’ at SVR’s Platinum Jubilee event

MAIN IMAGE: No. 70 crosses Oldbury viaduct. BOB GREEN

To honour the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, the Severn Valley Railway is allowing free travel to everyone called Elizabeth, throughout its special four-day celebratory event in early June.

“This is all about celebrating the longest-reigning British Monarch ever,” said Michael Dunn, head of visitor experience. “And we wanted to extend that even further to all those whose first name is Elizabeth – or Elisabeth! I think the Queen herself might just be a bit busy over the bank holiday weekend, but of course she would be very welcome to come and claim her free ticket!”

The SVR’s Platinum Jubilee event takes place from June 2-5, as the railway joins with the nation to celebrate the historic and momentous occasion across the extended bank holiday weekend.

The undisputed star of the show will be the railway’s now-famous purple locomotive, No. 70 Elizabeth II. It will receive its new nameplates on the first day and be in service throughout the event. The locomotive has been specially repainted, renumbered and renamed in honour of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, and has caused a stir around the world with its unique, head-turning livery. 

On the final approach of its first day, No. 70 arrives into Kidderminster. PAUL PEARSON

On Thursday June 2, SVR locomotives will sound their whistles at Kidderminster and Bridgnorth as town criers make a special Queen’s Platinum Jubilee proclamation.  Evening services will transport diners to The Engine House, Highley for a Beacon Banquet (extra charges apply), at which the SVR’s beacon will be lit at the same time as thousands of others across the world.

Alongside the stunning sight of the purple locomotive, No. 70 Elizabeth II, the appropriately-named No. 2999 Lady of Legend will be making its final appearances at the SVR before it returns home to Didcot Railway Centre.

On all four days of the Jubilee event, the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight’s iconic Lancaster will perform a fly past above the Severn Valley Railway. Passengers can visit a special Paddington-themed exhibition courtesy of BrickLive™ at The Engine House, Highley, have the chance to take a turn on a vintage Ferris wheel at Bridgnorth, and there’ll be live music from the 1950s, including additional evening concerts at Kidderminster on Friday 3 and Saturday 4.

All of the SVR’s stations will be festooned with bunting and feature floral displays themed around the Jubilee, and each visitor will receive a special-edition ‘seeded’ ticket to take home and plant.

Elizabeths can pre-book their free tickets on the Severn Valley Railway website, or buy a ticket on the day. They must be travelling with at least one other fare-paying passenger and provide photo ID at the booking office in order to travel. Full terms and conditions are on the website.