Three locos will be in steam for the first big weekend of the 2025 season at The Middy. At Suffolk’s only standard gauge preserved railway, they will be working the trains during both Sunday 20th and Monday 21st April.

‘Sir Berkeley’ is an 0-6-0 saddle tank built by Manning Wardle of Leeds in 1890, and, at 125 years old, is of the generation of engines with no overall cab for crew protection. The loco is a real show stopper of an engine and a delight to see performing at this great age.

A much younger example of steam loco development is ‘Lady Ingrid’ a 1951 vintage 0-4-0 saddle tank built by Andrew Barclay & Co in Kilmarnock, Scotland. No. 2315 will be with us at the Middy for the rest of the summer. We hope it will become a Brockford resident.

The third engine for Easter is the larger 1941 Andrew Barclay 0-6-0ST ‘Swordfish’. This was the Santa Special loco in December last year.

The two Andrew Barclays have a strong family resemblance and make a fine picture together. Easter weekend will be a great opportunity for railway buffs and photographers to see them both in action.

During Easter Weekend all the Middy facilities will all be open. These include: steam hauled rides in genuine Victorian 4-wheel coaches, MSLR museum and visits to the Restoration Shed. The souvenir shop, café and the Middy real ale bar will also be open. Plus Easter Bunny hunts for younger visitors. The Middy will also be hosting the USAAF 34th Bomb Group’s display again during 2025 and their museum will also be open this weekend.

And there will be a FREE shuttle bus service from and to Stowmarket mainline station during both days courtesy of the Eastern Counties Bus Preservation Group.

Visitors will also be able to see progress on the restoration of the railway’s own locomotive. Hudswell Clarke 0-6-0ST 1604 and LNER Y7 no. 985 reside in the Lottery Funded Restoration Shed.

The Mid-Suffolk Light Railway offers a fascinating picture of what life was like on and around a rural railway during the early part of the last century. The Easter Steam Gala will be a great day out for families and rail-fans alike.

Venue: Mid-Suffolk Light Railway
Dates: 20th & 21st April
Opening Times: 10.30 – 16.30 each day
Standard entry prices apply: adults £12.00, children under 16 £6.00, families (2+20 £30.00, concessions over 65 £10.00.
For more programme information visit www.mslr.org.uk.