Ribble Steam Railway at Preston Docks to sound engine horns as part of nationwide event

The Sentinel shunters Pic: Ribble Steam Railway

A heritage railway in Preston is due to join a nationwide event to celebrate 200 years of railway history.

The Ribble Steam Railway and Museum at Preston Docks will see three engines pull their whistles and join 200 others doing the same across the county.

The event takes place at 12noon on New Year’s Day (Wed 1 Jan).

Three Sentinel diesels called Energy, Enterprise and Progress are taking part.

Two of the engines were used on the original Preston Docks railway.

Train engine horns at mainline stations will also sound off at the appointed hour to welcome in the anniversary year.

Rail Minister Lord Hendy said: “The world changed forever in 1825 with the birth of the modern railway in Britain, and rolled out across the globe. Railway 200’s celebrations are a unique opportunity to honour a groundbreaking moment in our history while looking boldly towards the future. The Whistle-Up event marks the start of a year that will showcase how the railway continues to transform lives, connect communities, and create growth, jobs, housing and tourism.

“This milestone reminds us of the integral role rail plays in a sustainable future and is our chance to present the railway as a forward thinking, digital industry with vibrant and diverse career paths for a new generation. Together, let us celebrate this extraordinary British achievement and inspire a shared vision for the next century of railway progress.”

Steve Oates, chief executive of the Heritage Railway Association, said: “The railways made so much of the world we now live in possible. From package holidays to commuting and even the concept of standardised time, it was the coming of the railways that kickstarted it all and transformed communities across the globe. It’s important that we don’t let the landmark 200th anniversary go without a sizeable celebration.

“The whistle-up is a great chance for everyone involved in railways, big and small across the world, to join in the celebrations and see in 2025 in style by reviving a tradition from the age of steam. And, unlike in decades past, we’ll be able to join it all up thanks to the power of social media by using #WhistleUp200.”

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