A nostalgic fundraising steam rally will be staged by dedicated Swanage Railway volunteers next to Norden station near Corfe Castle and those attending are welcome to attend in period dress to soak up the period atmosphere.

Featuring up to 20 traction engines, steam rollers and showman’s engines – as well as fairground rides, trade stalls, food stalls, bar and live music – the evocative three-day yesteryear ‘Roads to Rail’ gathering will take place between Friday, 24 June, and Sunday, 26 June.

A special intensive steam train service between Norden, Corfe Castle and Swanage will be operating – including a special evening heritage diesel service on the Friday and Saturday evenings.

Now in its second year, the popular event was first staged in late-August 2021.

“We’re very proud to be hosting our second ‘Roads to Rail’ which combines the nostalgia of steam rail travel with steam powered traction engines, steam rollers and vintage fairground rides,” said volunteer Swanage Railway Company chairman Robert Patterson. “This is an evocative festival of steam large and small for all of those who love vintage steam-powered vehicles on the road or on the rails.”

He said this year’s showground will be larger with more traction engines and more going on including live music on the Friday and Saturday evenings.

Robert, who is also volunteer station porter and a trustee with the Swanage Railway Trust, added: “People who attend the event will also have the rare opportunity to go on the footplate of one of our steam locomotives. ‘Roads to Rail’ is a great day out for all the family and we hope it will draw in the crowds.

“Special events such as our ‘Roads to Rail’ weekend are critical for funding the continued operation and development of the Swanage Railway as well as drawing visitors to the Isle of Purbeck ahead of the main summer season.”

The postcode for the ‘Roads to Rail’ event location, opposite Norden station, is BH20 5DW.

Camping pitches will also be available in a field close to Norden station and must be booked.

Swanage Railway Trust is a registered charity.

For more information about this event visit: swanagerailwayroadstorail.co.uk