24th July, 2015
Story and photographs by Andrew P.M. Wright.
Swanage Railway official photographer and press officer.
Dedicated Swanage Railway volunteers are supporting the town's regatta and carnival – held in aid of local charities and good causes – by running extra trains so visitors can leave their vehicles and 'let the train take the strain' when travelling to the popular annual event.
Throughout carnival week from Saturday, 25 July, to Saturday, 1 August, 2015, there are steam trains from Norden Park & Ride, Corfe Castle, Harman's Cross and Herston Halt to Swanage every 40 minutes between 10am and 6pm.
And special carnival week additional evening services mean that the last train departs Swanage at 10.15pm for Herston Halt, Harman's Cross and Corfe Castle.
The 350-space Purbeck District Council Norden Park & Ride car park – next to the station – is open on the fireworks evenings of Saturday 25 and Saturday 1 August as well as Wednesday, 29 July, 2015, thanks to the support of Purbeck District Council.
On the two Saturday fireworks evenings, the last train departs Swanage station at 10.55pm.
On the Wednesday fireworks evening, the last train departs Swanage station at 10:15pm.
Tickets giving unlimited evening train travel from 6pm cost just £3.50 for adults and £2 for children, aged three to 15, with a family ticket – covering two adults and three children costing just £10 while children under the age of three travel free.
The evening train timetables – for the Swanage Regatta and Carnival firework evenings and for the rest of the carnival week – can be viewed here: http://www.swanagerailway.co.uk/evening
Swanage Railway General Manager Matt Green said: "We're very proud to again support Swanage's annual regatta and carnival week and our evening train service provides extra capacity for the events as well as the two Saturday and one Wednesday fireworks evenings in the seaside town.
"The three regatta and carnival evening fireworks displays are not to be missed and our evening train service from Norden, Corfe Castle and Harman's Cross delivers passengers into the centre of Swanage so there is no need to worry about the hassle of driving, parking and traffic congestion on local roads – helping visitors and residents.
"We're very grateful to Purbeck District Council for agreeing to keep the Norden Park & Ride car park open on the three regatta and carnival firework nights until after the last train from Swanage arrives at Norden.
"The late trains from Swanage to Herston Halt, Harman's Cross, Corfe Castle and Norden 'park and ride' mean that people can enjoy the evening attractions and atmosphere of the regatta and carnival.
"Our evening train service is also great for an evening out in Swanage or Corfe Castle without worrying about driving or car parking – and it's also a great excuse to spend longer on the beach at Swanage," explained Mr Green.
Last year's Swanage Regatta and Carnival raised £20,000 for local and national charities and good causes – with organisers hoping to raise even more at this year's event which is a highlight of the Purbeck calendar.
New volunteers in many roles are always welcomed by the Swanage Railway with full training being given.
For an informal chat – and to find out more – contact volunteer co-ordinator Mike Whitwam on 01929 475212 or email 'volunteer@swanagerailwaytrust.org.uk'.
Swanage Railway train times and fares – as well as special event details – are available online at www.swanagerailway.co.uk or by calling 01929 425800.