The South East’s original Railway Ale and Cider Festival is back for the 12th year from 19 to 22 October 2023 with over 150 Real Ales and 50 Ciders perfectly complimented by food stalls, live entertainment, and the opportunity to enjoy a journey on some fabulous steam and heritage diesel trains.
The 12th Real Ale & Cider Festival is held in the Victorian Engine Shed at the Spa Valley Railway in Tunbridge Wells in association with West Kent CAMRA. This event has received a grant from Tunbridge Wells Together.
Steam & Heritage Diesel trains will operate throughout the weekend between Tunbridge Wells West and Eridge.
During the 2023 event visitors can enjoy the sights and sounds of more steam than ever as Caledonian Railway No. 828 and Hunslet Austerity No. 2890 ‘Douglas’ will join heritage diesel Class 25 D7535 in hauling trains between Tunbridge Wells West and Eridge. Live music can be enjoyed all afternoon and evening until the close of the event on the Sunday. The food stalls will include a BBQ by Fullers Butcher, delicious dishes from the Thai food stand and all things cheese from the Cheese Shop in Tunbridge Wells.
The main bar will be at Tunbridge Wells West, however, beers and ciders will also be available at Groombridge and Eridge stations.
Real ale and ciders can also be purchased from the bars on board all the trains.
Jonnie Pay, Commercial Manager at the Spa Valley Railway said: “This is one of the most important annual events for the railway as it raises essential funds to help us keep the railway running for all to enjoy. It’s also a very popular event which allows us to invite other local businesses to provide food, drink and entertainment for our visitors.”
Preview Evening
New for 2023 will be an exclusive preview evening on Thursday 19th October between 18:00 and 22:00 at Tunbridge Wells West when everyone can sample the beers and ciders in the Victorian Engine Shed surrounded by heritage railway vehicles. Adult entry is £5 and trains will not be operating during the preview evening event.
Trains will operate from 09:00 until 22:30 on Friday 20th and Saturday 21st, and 09:00 until 22:30 on Sunday 22nd.
The bar will be open 18:00 to 22:00 on Thursday 19th, 11:00 until 22:30 on Friday 20th and Saturday 21st, and 11:00 until 18:30 on Sunday 22nd.
Train tickets for 1 day unlimited travel are £20 an adult, £10 for a child, and £45 for a family. The preview evening is £5 for an adult.
All tickets available at www.spavalleyrailway.co.uk
Spa Valley Railway, West Station, Nevill Terrace, Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent, TN2 5QY.
Media enquiries including image requests to Caroline Edmunds at Pennington PR on 01892 616647 or mobile 07775 943305.
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