If you are making a special journey to see or be hauled by a specific locomotive please check to avoid disappointment. This roster only relates to diesel workings. A list of ELR events is shown further down the page. See the ELR Website for the full running schedule.
Day Rover tickets are available. Discounts are generally available for pre-booked tickets.
| Date | Loco(s) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
|
Santa Special Information
Saturday 22nd November to Wednesday 24th December |
----- |
Santa Specials
are operated 'Top and Tail' between Bury and Rawtenstall. The Steam Loco is at the North (Rawtenstall)
end of the train, Diesel Loco at the South (Bury) end. DMU Shuttle services will operate between Bury and Heywood.
* PLEASE NOTE: Travel on Santa services is only available with an Event Ticket. Roster and service details shown for information. Loco pool includes D5054, 40106, 47765 and 50015. Standby traction will be rostered as required. All traction may be subject to change. DMU Shuttle pool includes 144009 and Class 104 |
| Saturday 22nd and
Sunday 23rd November |
50015
144009 |
Santa Train (10.25-16.45) one set only Heywood Shuttles (09.25-17.38) |
| Saturday 29th and
Sunday 30th November |
47765 40106 144009 |
Santa Set 1 (09.35-17.34) Santa Set 2 (10.25-16.44) Heywood Shuttles (08.35-18.13) |
| Saturday 6th and
Sunday 7th December |
50015 D5054 144009 |
Santa Set 1 (09.35-17.34) Santa Set 2 (10.25-16.44) Heywood Shuttles (08.35-18.13) |
| Saturday 13th and
Sunday 14th December |
47765 D5054 144009 |
Santa Set 1 (09.35-17.34) Santa Set 2 (10.25-16.44) Heywood Shuttles (08.35-18.13) |
| Saturday 20th December |
47765 D5054 144009 |
Santa Set 1 (09.35-17.34) Santa Set 2 (10.25-16.44) Heywood Shuttles (08.35-18.13) |
| Sunday 21st December |
50015 40106 144009 |
Santa Set 1 (09.35-17.34) Santa Set 2 (10.25-16.44) Heywood Shuttles (08.35-18.13) |
| Monday 22nd and
Tuesday 23rd December |
50015 40106 144009 |
Santa Set 1 (09.35-17.34) Santa Set 2 (10.25-16.44) Heywood Shuttles (08.35-18.13) |
| Wednesday 24th December |
50015 D5054 144009 |
Santa Set 1 (09.35-14.14) Santa Set 2 (10.25-14.59) Heywood Shuttles (08.35-15.48) |
| Friday 26th December | DMU |
Timetable
Rover Ticket
Mince Pie Specials |
| Saturday 27th December | 40106 |
Timetable
Rover Ticket
40106 Running Day |
| Wednesday 31st December | DMU | Timetable Rover Ticket |
| 2026 | ||
| Thursday 1st January | DMU |
Timetable
Rover Ticket
Whisky Chaser |
Driver Experience and special trains
Shown in brackets and/or italic text. These trains are included for information only,
it is not possible to travel on these unless you are a participant, invited guest or ticket
holder for that service. See the ELR Website
for more about Driver Experience
courses.
All workings subject to availability
While every effort will be made to ensure the rostered locos or units are available and running to the advertised
timetable, the ELR reserves the right to cancel or terminate any service or use alternative motive power
without prior notice.
| Event | Date(s) |
|---|---|
| 40106 Running Day | Saturday 27th December |
| 2026 | |
| Open House Weekend | Saturday 24th and Sunday 25th January |
| Diesel Running Day | Saturday 7th February |
| Small Engines Gala | Saturday 21st and Sunday 22nd February |
| Summer Diesel Gala | Thursday 2nd, Friday 3rd, Saturday 4th and Sunday 5th July |
| Autumn Diesel Gala | Saturday 18th and Sunday 19th September |
| DMU Weekend | Saturday 14th and Sunday 15th November |
Learn more about the ELR route and operations at the About The Line page.
There are a wide range of events at the East Lancashire Railway ranging from Family and Education, Re-enactments, Sci-Fi, Transport and Collector's Fairs.
Selected events are shown below. See the ELR Website for the full event schedule including Family Events.
| Event | Date(s) |
|---|---|
| Santa Specials | Saturday 22nd November to Wednesday 24th December |
| Mince Pie Specials | Friday 26th December |
| 40106 Running Day | Saturday 27th December |
| 2026 | |
| Whisky Chaser | Thursday 1st January |
| Open House Weekend | Saturday 24th and Sunday 25th January |
| Diesel Running Day | Saturday 7th February |
| Small Engines Gala | Saturday 21st and Sunday 22nd February |
| Legends of Steam III |
Friday 10th, Saturday 11th and Sunday 12th April |
| Day Out with Thomas |
Saturday 2nd, Sunday 3rd and Monday 4th May |
| Summer Diesel Gala | Thursday 2nd, Friday 3rd, Saturday 4th and Sunday 5th July |
| Day Out with Thomas | Saturday 18th and Sunday 19th July |
| Autumn Diesel Gala | Saturday 18th and Sunday 19th September |
| Day Out with Thomas | Saturday 3rd and Sunday 4th October |
| Autumn Steam Gala |
Friday 16th, Saturday 17th and Sunday 18th October |
| DMU Weekend | Saturday 14th and Sunday 15th November |
All events subject to availability
While every effort will be made to ensure events take place as advertised, rostered locos or units are available
and running to the advertised timetable, the ELR reserves the right to cancel or terminate without prior notice.
| Telephone: |
0333 320 2830 |
| Address: |
East Lancashire Railway Bolton Street Station Bolton Street Bury, BL9 0EY |
