All of our events will remain Covid aware and compliant with current guidelines.
Please take a few moments to read the Visitor Information page https://www.mslr.org.uk/pre-visit-information/
Above is our programme for 2022, which show a full range of activities starting New Year’s Day. As things improve we will be doing our best to keep you informed through these pages. The main issues arising for the MSLR in terms of Covid-19 precautions and, as an accredited museum and registered charity, is maintaining hygiene and cleaning arrangements, plus the assessment and protection of members of the public and vulnerable volunteers.
The numerous practical control measures, particularly social distancing, have been very difficult to comply with, especially as the Middy is a unique part of British Railway history due to its heritage. The old railway had to be economic to run and much of the charm of the Middy is in the size and style of its vehicles and buildings. However, we will, of course, continue to abide by Government guidelines for safe opening.
We will continue to offer our successful pre-booking service through this web site and we are open for ‘walk in’ visitors again for the 2022 programme.
We look forward to seeing visitors back at the Middy and enjoying our unique railway experience.
Forthcoming Events
While the MSLR endeavours to provide the advertised service and motive power where possible, sometimes this may not be possible. Preserved locomotives and rolling stock can be temperamental, meaning late changes may occasionally be necessary. The MSLR cannot be held responsible for any disappointment or inconvenience caused by any amendments or cancellations to services made at short notice.
Steam Railway Day
21 Aug 2022 - 21 Aug 2022
A day when most of the MSLR treasures are on show. The oldest known railway horsebox No.180, built for the Great Eastern Railway in 1869 is on display on the back road at Brockford, along with ‘Shreddie’ the Shredded Wheat Company Fowler shunter. At Dovebrook you can see inside the Midland brakevan No.2, which is a replica of the actual brakevan the middy owned when the railway first opened. And, of course, the coaches on the train today are genuine Victorian G.E.R. 4-wheel coaches, including No. 140 the first class smoking coach, which again is believed to be the oldest working G.E.R. vehicle built in 1863.
We are also expecting a visit from one of our volunteers and a couple of friends with their Royal Enfield motorcycles to show.
Together with a DVD show and the Chairman’s Guided Tour, this is the day to brush up on all things Middy.
Bar Open
Model Mania & Hornby Collectors Day
28 Aug 2022 - 29 Aug 2022
The famous Hornby Collectors day has now grown into a major celebration of models of all sorts over two days. Model boats and vehicles as well as trains will be on show and on the Sunday (28th) we will be joined by the hardy souls of the Veteran Cycle Club.
All Middy attraction will be open and running including the shunting demonstration at Dovebrook.
Bar Open
Country Railway Gala
3 Sep 2022 - 4 Sep 2022
The last major open weekend of the season and the Middy will be ‘en fete’. Not only everything open including the Chairman’s Guided Tours, but everything will be moving too. With shunting demonstrations and nearly all of our historic rolling stock will also be on display and on the move.
Talking of moving, among the visitors this weekend will be Morris dancers – the Hoxne Hundred on 3rd and the East Suffolk Morris Men on Sunday 4th. Also attending the Gala, we will be welcoming back the Old Ram Vintage Tractor Club.
A real taste of tradition and how the Middy was part of the rural landscape generations ago.
Bar Open
