The 1960s Weekend returns to the Isle of Wight Steam Railway this weekend (24th and 25th September).
This year, the Railway will host top tribute band The Vox Beatles on the Havenstreet stage.
Steam trains on the Ryde to Shanklin line ceased on 31 December 1966; however, for this weekend, the Railway has imagined that the age of steam survived on the Isle of Wight into 1967. Taking to the rails will be the line’s pair of Ivatt 2MT locomotives, which had been earmarked for service on the Island in the 1960s. In the event, the Victorian Class O2 locomotives soldiered on into 1966, and the Shanklin line was electrified using redundant London Underground trains.
For this weekend only, the Railway will be renaming the two Ivatt locomotives ‘Ryde’ and ‘Cowes’, continuing the Island tradition of naming locomotives after local towns and villages.
General manager Steve Backhouse says:
“We’re delighted to be able to recreate the magic of steam during one of the most iconic decades in history. Havenstreet will be a hive of activity this weekend and the colourful costumes adorned by many will definitely brighten-up the Railway.”
“We are also looking forward to welcoming all of the musicians to the stage this weekend including popular local band The Hillmans, and Vox Beatles.”
Attendees at the 60s event can take their time to wander around, as the team at the Railway has transported it back to 1967 to celebrate that special decade: a super psychedelic era, where The Beatles and Rolling Stones were rocking the charts, Carnaby Street was swinging, and Sandie Shaw had just won the Eurovision Song Contest.
Visitors can top off their visit with a relaxing 10-mile round trip aboard the steam train through the Island’s beautiful early autumnal countryside.
Tickets can be booked in advance at www.iwsteamrailway.co.uk but visitors can also purchase tickets at the gate on the day.
