East Lancs Railway joins nationwide campaign 'Love Your Railway'

East Lancashire Railway

Heritage railways across the country, including the East Lancashire Railway, are joining forces again this summer to raise awareness of their importance as a unique tourism destination, educating and telling the story of Britain’s railways whilst also providing local jobs and volunteer community engagement.

Following the enormous success of the first two years, the third annual ‘Love Your Railway’ campaign, brings together organisations from as far afield as Scotland, Snowdonia, Leighton Buzzard and the Lake District in the nationwide campaign which shines a spotlight on heritage railway organisations, encouraging visitors to support them this summer.

Spearheaded by the North Yorkshire Moors Railway (NYMR), ‘Love Your Railway’ is a six-week campaign which runs from 5 June to 16 July, with weekly themes covering conservation, education and restoration.

East Lancashire Railway and its fellow heritage railways from across the UK carry over 13 million passengers each year, over 560 miles of railway line and contribute £400 million in economic impact. 22,000 volunteers and over 4,000 paid employees keep the UK's heritage railways on track, highlighting the significant role railways played through the industrial revolution.

Mike Kelly, Chairman at East Lancashire Railway, said: “The ELR is home to a wealth of industrial history, education and entertainment stretched across our 12.5 mile line, from Heywood to Rawtenstall. 

“The Love Your Railway campaign is shining a light on the incredible work that takes place at our railway, from restoration work on locomotives to running events and dining experiences for rail enthusiasts and the local community to enjoy. 

“It also emphasises the importance of volunteers to keep the railway running. As a registered charity we rely heavily on the hard work of over 800 dedicated volunteers who successfully week in, week out work in a number of roles across the railway. They ensure all aspects of running steam and diesel trains creates a great day out and that guests can enjoy a drink in our two pubs or grab a snack from our buffets and pop into our shops for a souvenir. 

“We are proud to have been a part of the local community since the 1800’s and we are a gateway to the variety of incredible events and attractions throughout the Irwell Valley and across to Heywood in Rochdale.” 

Stephen Oates, Chief Executive at The Heritage Railway Association, said: “In 2021 ‘Love Your Railway’ secured collaborations from as far afield as Cornwall, Suffolk, North Wales, North East Scotland and Northern Ireland, with over 55 heritage railway organisations taking part and last year the campaign was even more successful with over 85 participating heritage railways organisations. 

“We’re really proud to back this campaign and look forward to seeing many more rail organisations get involved.” 

The six themed weeks are: Volunteers, Fundraising, Community, Education, History, and Restoration. Throughout the campaign heritage railways are encouraging visitors and supporters to get involved and share photos and memories of their visits on social media using #LoveYourRailway