Raising a glass

Leighton Buzzard Narrow Gauge Railway is raising a glass (or two) to toast one of its most successful beer festivals.

The event, run across Saturday 25 July & Sunday 26 July, saw visitors able to experience a range of beers and ciders. These included refreshments from breweries in Sussex, Surrey and Shropshire, as well as some ranges from breweries closer to home.

Those visitors who took advantage of the specially curated event train timetable, were able to enjoy a pop-up bar hosted by the town’s own Leighton Buzzard Brewing Company at the Railway’s Stonehenge Works Station.

A spokesperson for the Railway and the event said, ‘Many hours of hard work from our volunteers goes into putting on an event such as this. Over many months, we’re grateful for the investment in time that goes into the planning, organising and hosting of our beer festival. It was a delight over the two days to see so many visitors be able to enjoy the event in the unique setting of our engine shed. Buoyed by this year’s success, planning is already underway for next year’s event.’

Leighton Buzzard Narrow Gauge Railway is currently operating train trips from its station at Page’s Park on Sundays, Wednesdays and Thursdays throughout the school holidays. The Railway’s next big event will be its Pirates Weekend staged on Sunday 30 August and Bank Holiday Monday 31 August. And ‘Bluey’ is coming to the railway on 6 September.

In common with most other heritage railways, with the continuing hot dry weather, a steam ban has been introduced for safety, but all services continue to run as planned with diesel locos. To book tickets for all these events go to www.buzzrail.uk.