Have to thank Rob Coles for pointing out that not all our Christmas Market visitors will be arriving under their own steam.
Also, for providing us with some of his amazing photographs!
He writes:
Having checked the list published on the net by Railway Herald I have found that a number of special trains are scheduled to bring passengers to the Bath Christmas Market. They will be travelling from as far away as Newcastle upon Tyne, Lancaster, Leeds and Holyhead.
Three are steam-hauled – including a rare visit by ex-LNER A4 Sir Nigel Gresley, a locomotive of the same class as Mallard holder of the world steam speed record. The last time Sir Nigel visited was at least fourteen years ago.
The ex-LMS Duchess of Sutherland will also bring a train. The locomotive for the third steam train has yet to be announced
Another notable train will be the Blue Midland Pullman which will visit three times once from Newcastle and then from Leeds and finally from Holyhead
The other Diesel hauled trains will be luxury Pullman trains, Statesman, Northern Belle and the Belmond British Pullman, twice.
A full list is below
As with all special excursions, there may be cancellations, but if all run it could amount to maybe 6,000 visitors and save a great many road journeys and the city will not have to park the coaches.
It would be nice if the council, market stall keepers, hotels or traders could give the passengers a special welcome.
I noticed some years ago at Salisbury there were guides on the station to lead passengers to the Cathedral Carol service.
Here’s the full list!
26th November Steam (loco not yet listed) from Crewe
27th November Diesel 47/57 Northern Belle from Chester
29th November Diesel Blue Midland Pullman from Newcastle
30th November Diesel DBS 67 Belmond British Pullman from London Victoria
1st December Diesel Blue Midland Pullman from Leeds
5th December Steam 6007 A4 Sir Nigel Gresley from London Victoria
7th December Diesel DBS 67 Belmond British Pullman from London Victoria
7th December Diesel 47(2) Statesman Rail luxury train from Carnforth
10thDecember Diesel Blue Midland Pullman from Holyhead10thDecember Steam 6233 Duchess of Sutherland from London Victoria
Excellent news, Thank you to Rob Coles for bringing this to my attention and thank you Richard for publishing the details. These will definitely be worth looking out for.