The first big weekend of the 2025 season at The Middy, Suffolk’s only standard gauge preserved railway, will be celebrated with no less than 3 locos in steam and working the trains during both Sunday 20th and Monday 21st April.

Andrew Barclay of Kilmarnock, Scotland built two of them. Although neither of these types ever worked on the old MSLR, they are right for the later period of the line. ‘Swordfish’ no. 2138 is an 0-6-0 saddle tank from 1941. And ‘Lady Ingrid’ no. 2315 built in 1951, is an 0-4-0 saddle tank. They 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.

The third engine for Easter is ‘Sir Berkeley’ 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. ‘Sir Berkeley’ arrives at Brockford week commencing 14th April.

During Easter Weekend all the Middy facilities will be open. This includes steam hauled rides in genuine Victorian 4-wheel coaches, which you can ride as often as you like. Also, the MSLR museum, the Restoration Shed, souvenir shop, café and the Middy real ale bar will all be open. Plus there are Easter Bunny hunts for younger visitors.

The Middy is hosting the USAAF 34th Bomb Group again during 2025. 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.

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 railfans alike.

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 information visit mslr.org.uk.