The Keighley and Worth Valley Railway has received national recognition after its acclaimed production of ‘The Railway Children’ won Event of the Year at the Heritage Railway Association Awards.
The honour was awarded for the open-air theatre spectacular staged along the famous heritage line, which formed a major part of the Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture programme.
Presented in partnership with York Theatre Royal and Bradford 2025, the immersive production brought Edith Nesbit’s much-loved story to life in the very setting that inspired it. Audiences travelled along the historic railway while the drama unfolded against the scenic backdrop of the Worth Valley. Over an eight-week run, the production attracted an additional 31,000 visitors, making it one of the most ambitious and successful events ever staged on a UK heritage railway.
Business Manager of the Keighley and Worth Valley Railway, Noel Hartley said:
“We are very proud to receive Event of the Year for the Railway Children Theatre Show in a year where the competition was so strong. The Bradford City of Culture year, of which this event was a major part, was a fantastic showcase of what the area can offer and to be part of that was hugely significant for us.
“The railway saw an additional 31,000 visitors attend and see the show in just eight weeks and to play our part in delivering this for the region was an honour.
“It was a team effort across Bradford25, York Theatre Royal and the railway with everyone involved pulling out all the stops to showcase excellence, the legacy of which will go on for many years to come.”
The Keighley and Worth Valley Railway remains one of Britain’s best-loved heritage attractions, drawing visitors from across the country to enjoy a journey through the heart of the picturesque Worth Valley. Running for five miles between Keighley and Oxenhope, the historic line is famed for its steam-hauled services, scenic surroundings and strong links to ‘The Railway Children’, the classic story which has helped secure the railway’s place in the national imagination.
For generations, the railway has been a popular destination for families, railway enthusiasts and film fans alike, offering a chance to step back in time while experiencing one of Yorkshire’s most iconic visitor attractions.
Its national profile has been further strengthened in recent years through major cultural events, including the acclaimed production of ‘The Railway Children’, which showcased the line’s unique character and heritage appeal to new audiences.
With its combination of history, nostalgia and stunning countryside, the Keighley and Worth Valley Railway continues to play an important role in preserving the region’s railway heritage while supporting tourism and the local economy.
Full ticket information and event details are available at www.kwvr.co.uk
