20 March 2008

Easter Bunnies at the Welsh Highland Railway (Porthmadog)

Easter Sunday - 23^rd March 2008

The sight of a man in a bowler hat chasing a six foot rabbit along a railway station platform might sound like the stuff of drug induced fantasies.  But it's just one of the lengths that staff at the Welsh Highland Railway (Porthmadog) have been known to go to in amusing children during the annual "Easter Bunnies" event (23^rd March 2008).

As part of the entertainment, Rufus the Mischievous Rabbit is often known to steal the guard's green flag so the train can't go...... only to run off when the Controller discovers who the culprit is!  Staff at the WHR(P) also get into the spirit of the day by running an Easter Egg Hunt around the engine sheds, and even by getting the train to blow bubbles as it steams along the line.  There’s also free mini eggs for children visiting the railway.

The Welsh Highland Railway (Porthmadog) also has a number of other special events for children during the year, including the Teddy Bears Picnic (May 31^st & June 1^st), Welsh Dragons Weekend (July 5^th & 6^th) and a book signing session with children’s author Alan Cliff (Bank Holiday Weekend, 24^th & 25^th August).

Throughout the year, the WHR(P) makes special effort to accommodate families.  The train also stops for a tour of the engine sheds, where there's chance to climb on the steam and diesel engines and see how things work.  Climb into the cab of steam locomotive “Karen” and find out what makes her a tank engine.  Meet “Beano” the horse and see how narrow gauge railways worked before steam locomotives came along…… You can also sit at the controls of a small blue shunting locomotive and discover why you drive it sideways.  Or you can sit in the driver's seat of one of the largest narrow gauge engines in the UK

The WHR(P) is situated on the A487 at the edge of Porthmadog Town Centre, next to the main line railway station.  SatNav – LL49 9DY.

Complicated Easter for Welsh Tourist Industry?

“Good weather is the key”

The Welsh Highland Railway (Porthmadog) is crossing its fingers for a successful Easter holiday period this coming weekend.

Traditionally the start to the tourist season in Wales, visitor numbers over the Easter Bank Holiday Weekend are a good way of knowing whether the rest of the season will be a good one or not.

But this year, Easter will be a complicated event, with many schools over the border in England delaying their holidays until April.

James Hewett, Chairman of the WHR(P) explained: “we’re really not sure whether we’ll be busy or quiet this weekend.  Easter this year is earlier than it’s been for many years, and many people may wait until the school holidays before deciding to take a short break.

“In the end, good weather is one of the most important factors to get people to come and spend time in Wales.  But the forecast for the next few days is good, so we’re hopeful that people will make the effort to come and visit the region over the long weekend.”

The Welsh Highland Railway (Porthmadog) is hoping to boost visitor numbers with a special event for families on Easter Sunday, 23^rd March.  The “Easter Bunnies” event features an Easter Egg hunt around the engine sheds, and a visit from Rufus the Rabbit, who’ll be travelling on the train, giving out free mini eggs.

James Hewett continued: “2007 was a successful season for our attraction, with visitor numbers up substantially, despite bad weather during parts of the summer season.  The challenge for 2008 is to keep that performance up.