Housebuilder sponsors steam railway’s Christmas operations

The highlight of the Telford Steam Railway festive calendar is the Polar Express Train Ride experience. Over 250 visitors are normally on board each service, which usually operates five times daily, allowing approximately 1,250 Polar Express enthusiasts of all ages to immerse themselves in the delights of the themed experience each day.

Bringing iconic scenes from the 2004 classic to life, the donation from the housebuilder, who neighbour the railway at Hayford Grange on Proctor Avenue was enthusiastically received, with the housebuilder making an initial donation as part of the 20th anniversary celebrations for the film, which starred Tom Hanks.

Ben Hopkinson, Commercial Director at Telford Steam Railway, said: “The countdown to Christmas is always a busy and exciting time of year for us at Telford Steam Railway, so we’re really grateful to Taylor Wimpey for providing us with an additional unexpected boost by sponsoring our 2024 festive train experiences.

“With the donation, we were able to purchase a number of essential items, including cocoa and milk, which help us keep on top of our customers understandably keen taste for hot chocolate, as well as coal supplies which help keep the train functional and operational all season round. 

“Our Christmas rides are always a magical experience for children and families and this year has been no different with hundreds of attendees joining us in their pyjamas with stuffed toys and even pillows for an authentic seasonal experience. We still have a few days left, but we’re already looking forward to doing it all over again next year!”

Sarah Pasco, Sales and Marketing Director at Taylor Wimpey North Midlands, said: “Telford Steam Railway are neighbours to our Hayford Grange development, and so we were delighted to have been giving the opportunity to work with them this year to help ensure they’ve brought Christmas delight to thousands of families in the Telford region and beyond.

“The Polar Express Train Ride Experience in particular is a wonderful concept which we were only too happy to support, especially as part of the 20th anniversary celebrations for the film. To be able to provide funding which helps to keep the steam railway operational during winter was also important to us, and we’re grateful to Ben and the team for welcoming us to the Old Loco Shed, showing us around the facility and demonstrating how the money has been distributed.

“It’s important to us that we support deserving local events and local organisations who organise activities during the festive period, and we will once again be doing so next year.”

To find out more information about Telford Steam Railway, the experiences it runs throughout the year and its events calendar, or make a donation, visit telfordsteamrailway.co.uk.