Llanfair Caereinion’s historic railway is gearing up for a busy summer of events following an appearance on ITV’s ‘Coast and Country’.

At the end of last month, the Welshpool to Llanfair Light Railway was featured on an episode of the popular show, taking viewers through the history of the railway, learning what it’s like to volunteer on the line and projects carried out in the line’s workshops.

The visit came ahead of the railway’s double celebration for 2023, which marks 120 years since the line’s opening in 1903 and 60 years since re-opening as a heritage line in 1963.

General manager James Bett said: “We opened as a railway in 1903 so this year we celebrate 120 years as a railway but more importantly it was 60 years ago that we reopened as a heritage railway. So we’re celebrating both those achievements and look forward to the next 60 years as our volunteers put in even more hard work.

“The railway was built originally as there was a need for the people of Llanfair Caereinion and the farming communities to move their products to Welshpool to get supplies and people the other way, so it was built to serve the community and 120 years later we’re still doing that to some extent.

County Times:

“We bring in lots of tourists to the area, try and buy local produce and support local businesses. It’s really an important part of the community and such an iconic thing to see the steam trains still working up and down this valley.

“We have about 250 active volunteers and that can vary from people who are here several times a week from people who visit us for just a couple of weekends a year. The railway is nothing without its people. I think it’s just as enjoyable volunteering on a heritage line as visiting.

Volunteers Daisy Shennon and Mick Bass were also interviewed for the segment, which spotlighted the overhaul work on locomotive 699 'Sir Drefaldwyn', the first of the re-opened line’s regular roster of passenger trains.

The Welshpool to Llanfair Light Railway will be holding several themed train journeys over the summer, including the return of their popular Fish and Chips Train and a Tearoom weekend special.

On Sunday, July 9, Shropshire MG classic car group will be visiting Llanfair Station with a lineup of classic cars on display throughout the afternoon.