The East Lancashire Railway (ELR) saw a phenomenal turnout over the May bank holiday weekend as it welcomed back Thomas and Friends™ after several years of absence.
The three day event from Saturday 30th April until Monday 2nd May saw close to 8,500 visitors flocking to the railway to see Thomas and Friends, smashing all visitor records of previous Day Out with Thomas events.
All fans of the little blue engine were treated to an ultimate day out packed with Thomas entertainment and topped off by glorious sunshine. Activities included face painting and temporary Thomas tattoos, Thomas live scenarios, pottery and circus workshops, Punch & Judy and magic shows as well as colouring and drawing.
Andy Morris, General Manager said:
“The first off our Thomas events for 2011 has exceeded all expectations and broken previous records in terms of visitor numbers. We are all very proud of the fact that we have the event back on the ELR, after a two year absence and it was great to see so many smiling faces amongst not only our visitors but our staff as well. We really are looking forward to similar successes with other events later in the year.”
The dates for the next Day Out With Thomas events are already in the diary; the railway will see the return of Thomas on the weekends of 6th – 7th August 2011 and 1st – 2nd October 2011.
East Lancashire Railway is now looking forward to the 1940’s Wartime Weekend from 28th – 30th May 2011. The award-winning event will parachute in for its 13th year with a full three-day programme including live battle re-enactment, vintage fashion and military items and wartime inspired food stalls, afternoon and evening dances and themed shows with ENSA entertainers as well as an allied camp complete with authentic military set up.
For further press information please contact Christina Seidel on 0161 764 6762
