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/
We are pleased to say that the 2021 programme was a great success and all of the events during the summer happened smoothly and caused no particular unexpected problems, thanks mainly to the efforts of the Middy Events Team.
Above is our programme for 2022, which show a full range of activities starting New Year’s Day. Of course at present nothing can be guaranteed, but 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.
We will continue to offer our successful pre-booking service through this web site and we hope to open for ‘walk in’ visitors again for the 2022 programme. However, we will continue to abide by Government guidelines for safe opening. 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.
Middy in the 1940s
28 May 2022 - 29 May 2022
So as not to clash with the celebrations of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Bank Holiday, this year’s Middy in the 1940s event will take place over the Saturday and Sunday before.
There will be a grand array of displays and exhibits and, of course, many of our favourite re-enactors and ‘personalities’, including the friends from the German Alpine Corps, who joined us for the first time last summer.
This year will also feature some of the contributions made by women at the time with displays from and about the WVS, Women’s Land Army and American Women in East Anglia. There will be a range of military and civilian vehicles of the period and stalls selling everything from clothing, collectables, toys, military memorabilia, wartime paperwork and magazines. And a flypast from the Hawker Hurricane of the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight is scheduled for Saturday 28th May, as ever, subject to weather conditions,
Both days will feature 1940s style music from Kitty Collins on Saturday 28th May and the Laxfield Community Choir on Sunday 29th May.
Tickets are available from the Ticket Office on the day. The event is likely to be very busy, but you can beat the queues by buying your tickets now from the web site https://www.mslr.org.uk/book tickets and then you’ll be fast-tracked through check-in on arrival.
Bar Open
Steam Railway and Queen’s Jubilee Day
5 Jun 2022 - 5 Jun 2022
Our Steam Day falls at the end of four days of celebrating the longest reigning monarch in our history. The old Middy closed in the year Queen Elizabeth acceded to the throne and we offer our respect and congratulations. It may be that there will have been many more exciting events during this period, so we will not try to outdo the outdoable. This will be a Steam Railway Day Plus, the plus being some of the paraphernalia and displays and vehicles from the Middy in the War Years pageant the previous weekend. We are also scheduled to be visited again by the Hawker Hurricane of the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, not to be missed.
And, of course, all the Middy attractions will be open for a final QEII great day out.
Bar Open
Steam Railway Day Plus Aston Martin Owners visit
12 Jun 2022 - 12 Jun 2022
All the MSLR attractions will be open and The Middy will be hosting a visit from the Aston Martin Owners Club.
A small selection of these amazing cars and their owners at a recent Club outing (pictured below).
Bar Open
Steam Railway & Suffolk Vehicle Enthusiasts Day
19 Jun 2022 - 19 Jun 2022
Steam Railway day with all the Middy attractions open and the Suffolk Vehicle Enthusiasts will be displaying a selection of vintage private and commercial vehicles.
Bar Open
Steam Railway & East Anglian Practical Classics Day.
26 Jun 2022 - 26 Jun 2022
Once again we welcome back members of the East Anglian Practical Classic Owners Club who will be bringing some of their delightful and memorable vehicles from the bygone ages of motoring, two of which from their last visit are shown below.
All the MSLR facilities will be open including steam train rides in genuine Victorian 4-wheel coaches.
Bar Open
Steam Railway & Land Rover Day
3 Jul 2022 - 3 Jul 2022
Welcome back to the Land Rover owners, who join us again to show off their examples of this truly British marque. All the usual suspects and, perhaps, some very rare beasts indeed like the Falkland Islands Fire & Rescue Service 6-wheeler that joined us last year.
Plus the Middy steam train rides, Museum, cafe, bar and Restoration Shed visits making this a memorable day out for families and enthusiasts alike.
Bar Open
