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/
2023 Events Programme
2nd, 3rd, 9th, 10th, 16th & 17th December Santa Specials
1st January 2024 New Years Steam – Historic Lighting Exhibition
Above is the remaining programme for 2023, with just the Santa Specials to come, all currently fully booked. For more information visit the What’s On and News pages. We are planning our 2024 programme right now and details will be posted on the web site soon.
There may still be issues arising for the MSLR in terms of Covid-19 precautions and, as an accredited museum and registered charity, we must maintain hygiene and cleaning arrangements, plus the assessment and protection of members of the public and vulnerable volunteers.
The numerous practical control measures have been 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 are open for ‘walk in’ visitors for the 2024 programme or you can use our pre-booking service through this web site (except 1st Jan 2024).
We look forward to seeing visitors at the Middy 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.
Santa Specials
2 Dec 2023 - 17 Dec 2023
For 6 days there will be Santa Specials at the Mid-Suffolk Light Railway. Dates: 2nd, 3rd, 9th, 10th, 16th, 17th December
For a magical Christmas treat for children up to 10 years old, a trip on a Mid-Suffolk Light Railway Santa Special is not to be missed.
Steam trains run from Brockford Station to ‘North Pole Halt’, for an individual visit to Santa at his Christmas Guards Van and each child receives a present. The Stations, Brockford and ‘North Pole Halt’ and the Museum and cafe, will all be decorated in full ‘Christmasy’ style. On their return from the Santa visit passengers will find Christmas crafts, hot drinks, festive finger food and even available to buy.
Visitors, especially children, can enjoy the unique atmosphere created at Suffolk’s only standard gauge award winning railway museum. The Santa Special’s genuine Great Eastern Railway Victorian four-wheeler coaches are a historical experience for any passengers. Early booking is recommended.
There are 6 days to choose from and 8 trains per day, first train 10.00; compartments for 2 – 8 people priced at £15.00 per person, minimum 2 passengers – £30.00. For larger parties email: events@mslr.org.uk
Train times: 10.00, 10.45, 11.30, 12.15, 13.30, 14.15, 15.00, 15.45. Visitors are asked to arrive 15 minutes before their train is due to depart
Advanced booking only. Tickets will be on sale from 18th October
For Santa Special bookings or more information visit the Book Tickets page or call 01449 766874.
N.B. All Santa Specials are currently sold out. If you would like to join the waiting list please go to the Book Tickets page on our website https://www.mslr.org.uk/book-tickets/, select the date and time you are interested in booking and then select join waiting list. You will then automatically be notified should we get a cancellation for your chosen date and time.
NB: Children under one year old will be free unless a present is requested then the normal £15.00 fare would be required.
New Year’s Day Steam and Light Festival
1 Jan 2024 - 1 Jan 2024
A bright start to the new year will be the Steam & Light Festival at Suffolk’s only standard gauge preserved railway. Join us on January 1st for your first steam train ride of the year and visit to the Historical Lighting Association’s display of fascinating vintage oil lamps dating from the Mid-Victorian era and as seen everywhere from grand houses to practical work places.
Visitors can enjoy the unique atmosphere created at the Mid-Suffolk Light Railway, Suffolk’s award winning heritage railway. During the day you will be able to ride the trains as often as you like and the genuine Great Eastern Railway Victorian four-wheeled coaches are a historical experience for any passengers, especially children.
Our Tea Room will be open for tasty New Year treats and beverages and the museum which tells the story of the old ‘Middy’ will also be open to complete your visit. And for anyone still after a ‘hair of the dog’ following Christmas and New Year Celebrations the Middy Bar will be open for real ale and selected wines and spirits.
Also good news for visitors who wish to come to the Middy via Network Rail’s Stowmarket Station or who just happen to live in the Stowmarket area, the Eastern Counties Bus Preservation Group will be running their Middy Shuttle Service starting at 10.00 in the morning and last scheduled return at 16.55.
Tickets are available from the booking office in the Middy Shop when you arrive (no advanced bookings for this event).
Bar Open
