THE PEOPLE AND THEIR PROTEST

Sunday 8th March – Remembering 60 years since the railway’s closure.

In 1966, Bitton Station was closed by Dr Beeching. Sixty years on, the Avon Valley Railway transports passengers back to that era.

Join us on Sunday 8th March for a special day, commemorating the 60th anniversary closure of the Bristol and Bath railway line. Experience Bitton Station as it was in the ‘closure-era’, as we step back in time to 1966 for this new, immersive event.

‘Dr Beeching will reappear’ at Bitton Station and on-board the train, alongside re-enactors of the era. Accompanied children travel at 1960’s prices – for just 20 pence. Accompanied under-5s travel FREE.

Features:

• Re-enactors, will be making appearances, both at Bitton Station and on-board:
  • ‘Dr Beeching’ will be ‘surveying’ people about their use of the railway.
  • ‘Protestors’ will make their feelings known (with thanks to local theatrical group, Kingswood Players).
• Display of pre-1966 classic cars in front of station building at Bitton, most c/o Chew Valley Vintage Vehicle Club.
• Experience 1960’s train travel on-board ‘slam door’ British Railways Mark 1 carriages
• Unlimited travel behind a heritage steam locomotive engine all day with your commemorative vintage day rover ticket.
• Timetable, offering five roundtrips of the line: hop-on-and-off at your leisure.
• Special exhibition carriage showcasing displays of the closure and history of the railway.
• Accompanied children travel at 1960’s fares, with tickets costing just 20 pence!
• Unveiling of an interpretation panel, presented by local dignitaries at Avon Valley Riverside Station.
• Facilities at Bitton Station (BS30 6HD) include car parking, Gift Shop and Buffet (serving hot and cold food).

‘The People and their Protest’ is a fun and light re-enactment event encouraging interaction with visitors, turning back the clock to 1966 when the railway was closed following ‘The Beeching Report’.

Tickets now on-sale, or call 0117 332 0435, option 1.

Special Timetable:

Notes:

*Denotes a station where the locomotive runs round. There are opportunities to alight and reboard to see the locomotive uncouple, run-round the carriages and re-couple to the other end of the trainset.