Preparations for the visit of Flying Scotsman, the world’s most famous steam locomotive, to Shildon are complete and the town is now waiting eagerly to welcome the tens of thousands of visitors expected to flock to Locomotion: The National Railway Museum at Shildon to see the historic engine.
Flying Scotsman & The Shildon Shed Bash gets underway on Saturday 23rd July and the celebrations on the day will extend into the town centre with activities and exhibitions taking place at the museum and in the town including the Town Square, St John’s Church, the Sid Chaplain Library, Shildon AFC and Hackworth Park Bandstand.
A free shuttle bus, running all day, will transport visitors between the musuem and town centre so that all the day’s activities can be enjoyed by everyone.
This week’s Town Crier includes a special pullout guide, prepared by Shildon Chamber of Trade in partnership with Shildon Town Council and the Town Mayor, to all the events taking place on Saturday.
The main event at Locomotion includes not just the world famous Flying Scotsman, but several other famous visitors will be returning to the museum.
Flying Scotsman will be in light steam for the event, and is due to be joined by A4 No. 60009 Union of South Africa and Q6 No. 63395, also in light steam. J72 No. 69023 Joem will be in steam for passenger train rides daily.
The line-up will be completed by D9002 King’s Own Yorkshire Light Infantry, newly restored to BR two-tone green, along with V2 4771 Green Arrow.
Visitors to the main daytime event will be able to access cabs of locomotives including Flying Scotsman whilst it is in steam, as well as enjoy children’s activities, a talks programme, and browse a selection of trade stands.
The main daytime event will run from 9.30am to 6pm with free admission. The usual charge will apply for steam train rides.
Andrew McLean, Head Curator at the National Railway Museum, said: “This will be the first time Flying Scotsman has been at Shildon in her late British Railways appearance.
For a week in July, Shildon will become like the legendary King’s Cross ‘Top Shed’ circa 1963 as the world’s most famous steam locomotive lines up alongside other wonderful engines from the era.”
Shildon & District's local community newspaper.
