Published on: Thursday, 23 June 2016
Last updated: Thursday, 4 January 2018
Visitors to the Harwich Festival can arrive in style by taking special trains running from Manningtree Station to Harwich Town.
The decorated trains, which will run on Saturday 25 June at 12pm and 1pm, are organised by the Essex and South Suffolk Community Rail Partnership (ESSCRP).
Joining guests on the train will be artists from the festival, providing theatrical and musical entertainment. The Dovercourt Theatre Group will greet and entertain guests on the first train and Bimini Twist, the ukulele duo will be on board the 1pm train.
The theme for this year’s festival, which runs from 24 June until 3 July, is ‘hidden gems’. This will begin on board for youngsters and adults with games such as ‘find the hidden gem’ and ‘guess the number of gems in the jar’. Children will also get an activity pack to take with them to remember the experience.
Those travelling on the train will enjoy a breathtaking view of the Essex countryside taking in the Essex way and the beautiful Stour Estuary as they head for the festival.
Paul Oxley, Stakeholder Manager at Abellio Greater Anglia, said: “We look forward to welcoming passengers to the popular Festival trains again this year and hope that everyone will enjoy the fun and treats on board as they travel to Harwich. We would like to thank our colleagues at Essex and South Suffolk Community Rail Partnerships for their hard work in organising the festival trains.
Cllr Eddie Johnson, Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport said: “This train journey is a wonderful way to kick off a delightful day of family-orientated fun at the Harwich Festival. These dedicated event trains are a great way to travel in style and enjoy marvellous views of the Essex countryside along the way.”
Tickets can be booked online – more information is available at www.ESSCRP.org .uk