Julie Walters to narrate SVR Christmas experience

Christmas services are reportedly selling fast at the Severn Valley Railway. Visitors are looking to secure seats for the heritage line's range of Christmas experiences, which begin on November 19 and run through until Christmas Eve. With limited availability on some services, and a sell-out on others, the railway is hoping for a bumper 2021 Christmas season. The Steam in Lights services depart from Bridgnorth station, starting on November 19, and organisers are promising that in its third year of operation, the event will be "bigger and better than ever".

The train, adorned with thousands of glittering lights, travels through the winter evenings. “We have double the number of lineside displays,” explained events manager, Lewis Maddox. “Everyone will be astounded by the magic, and we’re are delighted to be working with a local performing arts company on the entertainment for Steam in Lights, as well as our other Christmas services.”

Bridgnorth-based Reach Out Arts has been collaborating with the SVR for several years, and is providing pre-departure entertainment at Bridgnorth station for Steam in Lights, as well as the Christmas show at Arley that forms a central part of the Santa Train experience. This year, the company also developed the script for the brand new Enchanted Express experience, which has been recorded by Dame Julie Walters in readiness for the event. Although The Enchanted Express has sold out, seats remain available on services for Steam in Lights (departing from Bridgnorth), the Santa Trains (departing from Kidderminster) and the Carol Train services (from Kidderminster) which feature a festive concert at The Engine House, Highley.

For more information, visit the Severn Valley Railway website.

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