Virgin Trains is offering the chance for members of the public to experience the railway in Cumbria with a unique event at Carlisle station.
The Carlisle Railway Day follows the success of the same event last year bringing together industry partners, local businesses and community groups to celebrate the region’s railway and raise money for Virgin Trains’ charity partner, Rethink Mental Illness.
Visitors to the station on Saturday, 8 June, will be able to experience the journey from London Euston to Glasgow Central in eight minutes with speeded-up footage taken from the driver’s cab of a Pendolino train, which serve Virgin’s route through Cumbria.
There will also be model railway displays, memorabilia, entertainment, and pop-up shops and stands from local businesses and attractions as well as drone footage of lines that connect into Carlisle.
Virgin Trains will be hosting workshops for children to have a go at being a station announcer and to dispatch a locomotive*. Other activities for younger visitors will be available through the day, including a magician and Storytime with Virgin’s Sammy the Safety Bear.
Mark Green, Virgin Trains Station Manager at Carlisle, said: “Following the success of our first railway day last year we’re really excited to be hosting another event at Carlisle to celebrate the important role rail plays here in the city and wider region. Having served Cumbria for over 20 years we know what a great place it is, so we’re pleased to be joining industry partners, businesses and the community to champion what the region has to offer. We look forward to welcoming people to the station for what we’re sure will be a great day for all ages!”
Carlisle Railway Day will take place at Carlisle station on Saturday 8th June from 10am – 4pm. For more information or to book onto a workshop, visit the Team Leader’s Office on Platform 4.
*Only 15 spaces are available for the station announcer and dispatch workshops
