Railway to celebrate with eight-mile long firework display

As part of the Welshpool & Llanfair Light Railways three-day gala in September, organisers have set up the colourful display which will be fired alongside the track as the steam engine-lead train powers through the Powys countryside.

WLLR general manager, Charles Spencer, said: “Our annual steam gala has always been special and this year all our volunteers are extremely excited at the prospect of partnering with Electrify Pyrotechnics to deliver a truly unique spectacle of steam and fireworks along the length of our line to celebrate the year in which we have been running longer as a heritage railway than the original railway operated as a commercial service.”

The railway event is open to the general public and visitors can ride in one of the charming balconied carriages pulled by one of the railways’ steam engines from Welshpool Raven Square station on the 45 minute journey crossing viaducts, river bridges, steep inclines and rolling countryside to the Llanfair station.

Electrify director, Scott Pounder added: "In all the years delivering firework displays this has to be one of the most unique we’ve ever done. Logistically it’s incredibly difficult and requires a large number of firework firing staff and multiple firing systems, including the type that are used to fire the mayor’s New Year's Eve display in London.

"Despite the challenges, the end result will be an amazing spectacle of two of many people’s favourite things – steam trains and fireworks."

The railway was built in 1903 to link farming communities with the market town of Welshpool and to provide them with an outlet for their produce. It closed in 1956, however was progressively rebuilt and re-opened by a group of enthusiasts from 1963 onward.

For more information on the steam gala, which will run from September 1 to 3, visit http://www.wllr.org.uk/