Leighton Buzzard Railway ready for 2026 season
The major reconstruction of the level crossing over Stanbridge Road was completed ahead of schedule allowing plans to move forward for the start of the 2026 season at The Leighton Buzzard Railway on Sunday 15 March. The Leighton Linslade town mayor has been invited to carry out the now traditional ‘waving off’ of the first train of the season, and the town crier will also be present in fine voice.
2026 promises to be a bigger and more exciting programme of events than ever. This first day of the season coincides with Mothers Day. Mums will be treated to a free family photo and a flowering plant gift, whilst all families and visitors can explore the historic Stonehenge Works site and learn about the history of sand quarrying and transport throughout the town. CuriousiTea Rooms will also be open to serve everyone with refreshments.
The entirely volunteer-run railway will start the season with two steam train services, led by Andrew Barclay 0-6-0T ‘Doll’ of 1919, and sister loco ‘Gertrude’ built 1918. There will be five departures throughout the day starting at 10.30am.
The volunteer team who operate and maintain the railway have put in hundreds of hours over the winter closure period, often working in a very cold shed, to ensure that all is ready to welcome visitors this year. The skills the volunteers bring are being passed on too, with the recently formed junior railway club helping young volunteers learn from the wealth of experience in the team.
The railway’s season continues every Sunday and Bank Holiday Monday all the way through to Halloween. There are also some midweek opening days during school holidays. Events to look forward to include a visit by Chase from Paw Patrol this spring, Dinosaur Roar at the start of the school holidays also a personal appearance by Bluey just before the schools go back in September.
The extensive programme of other events is designed to have something for all ages, with diesel and steam galas, a beer festival, vintage vehicle rally, pirate invasion and several other events.
Details of all these will be available on the website www.buzzrail.uk.
Photo credit: Ryan Daniels