SevernFest 2025 proved to be a huge success — and for the Severn Beach Miniature Railway team, it marked a major milestone in our mission to bring a miniature railway to the community. With glorious weather, large crowds, and a buzzing atmosphere throughout the day, the event gave us the perfect opportunity to showcase what the project is all about.
A Standout Attraction
From the moment the gates opened, the railway quickly became one of the most talked-about attractions of the day. Our engine, Severn Princess, was on proud display — running smoothly, quietly, and drawing admiration from young and old alike. Dozens of children rode the train throughout the day, and many went home delighted with a free colouring set of the locomotive. The feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with visitors commenting on the quality of the ride, the attention to detail, and the nostalgic charm of it all.
Families posed for photos beside the train, and many visitors were keen to learn more about our plans. It was particularly heartening to see so many people take genuine interest in the project’s vision, with several locals expressing their enthusiasm and support for the future of the railway in Severn Beach.
Honouring Local History
One of the most special parts of the day was being able to share the story behind our locomotive’s name. Severn Princess isn’t just a name — it’s a tribute to the historic Aust ferry boat that carried people across the Severn Estuary before the bridge opened in 1966. It was wonderful to see the spark of recognition in the eyes of long-time residents and the curiosity it sparked in newcomers. The naming of our engine helps tie our miniature railway into the wider story of Severn Beach and the surrounding area.
VIP Visit: MP Clare Young Joins the Journey
In the afternoon, we were honoured to welcome Clare Young, MP for Thornbury and Yate, to our railway setup. Clare purchased a ticket and enjoyed a ride on Severn Princess just like everyone else — and her enthusiasm was clear. After learning more about the project and how it aims to serve the community, she jumped at the chance to ride on the footplate itself. It was a great opportunity for us to explain our goals and the benefits the railway will bring — from educational value and tourism to preserving local heritage.
Winning Over Hearts — and Minds
Throughout the day, we spoke to many residents, including some who had initially raised concerns during the planning process. We were pleased to find that once they saw the railway in action and understood more about how it will be operated and maintained, their views shifted. People were reassured by how quiet the train was, how cleanly it ran (with no visible smoke thanks to our Welsh steam coal), and the professional way it was managed.
What stood out most were the encouraging words we received from so many members of the public — including families, railway enthusiasts, and even those just curious to see what the fuss was about. Again and again, we heard the same message: “We can’t wait to see this built permanently in Severn Beach.”
Grateful Thanks
We want to extend our heartfelt thanks to:
-
Adam and Nick from SevernFest for giving us the platform to present our railway
-
Clare Young MP for her visit and genuine interest in the project
-
Our dedicated volunteers, who helped run the railway smoothly and dismantle it at the end of the day
-
Everyone who rode the train, took the time to chat, and showed their support
SevernFest gave us a golden opportunity to show what the Severn Beach Miniature Railway stands for — community, heritage, education, and fun for all ages. The success of the day has given us even more motivation to keep pushing forward with our plans. We’ve proven what’s possible — now let’s make it permanent.
