All Aboard! Join the Celebration for 200 Years of Passenger Railways – Monday 16 February, 12:00 to 15:30pm at Clitheroe Castle Museum
This fun packed free All Aboard! Railway Family Fun Day will have something for all ages. There will be lots of train related hands-on activities, creative workshops and immersive railway heritage.
Bringing miniature railways to life will be the volunteers of Pendle Forest Model Railway Club with their ‘Rock ‘n Roll’ model railway and the Ribble Valley Live Steamers with their fascinating model engines.
Creative highlights will include hopping aboard the Imagination Train with community artist Gosha Gibek, where children can decorate their own train wagon, inspired by the poem Locomotive by Julian Tuwim and cyanotype and linocut printing with artist and railway enthusiast Dianne Muldowney, draw a selfie for the station platform, or dress up at the Selfie Station with railway uniforms. For budding builders, Clitheroe Library’s LEGO Station Master will also be on hand to help families build their own LEGO trains.
Families will meet award-winning Lancashire children’s author Susan Brownrigg, who will read extracts from her railway adventure book Wrong Tracks, while young railway fans can train spot in the Stewarts Gallery looking for Thomas and his Friends, enter the colouring competition illustrated by local artist Jenny Czerwonka – The winner receiving a Family Weekend Explorer train ticket with compliments of Northern Railways, and a copy of Susan’s book for all runners up!
Claire Sutton, Clitheroe Castle Museum Manager said: “We’re delighted to be partnering with Community Rail Lancashire and the Clitheroe Line Community Rail Partnership for this fantastic celebration.” “From artists and engineers, to authors and model railway enthusiasts, we’re grateful to everyone who has helped create such a vibrant event.”
Claire Sutton continues… “While families are here, we’d love them to explore the wider museum too. Children go free and there’s plenty for all ages to discover. Whether you’re joining us just for the All Aboard! festivities or making a day of it, we look forward to welcoming you.”
The event coincides with the free exhibition “Tracks of Life: Trains, People and Places”, on display in the Steward’s Gallery. The exhibition celebrates the life and work of Ken Roberts (1928–2024), a dedicated local railway enthusiast, photographer and founding member/ of Ribble Valley Rail, featuring photography, model trains and railway memorabilia.