Update: Due to the Prime Minister’s announcement November dates for this event have been cancelled, but ticket sales are now back on sale for December and January dates.
Winter is set to light up in Hampshire with a ‘world first’ spectacular steam train experience featuring a train decked out in more than 13,000 LEDs.
Created by the design company behind stage light shows for Anastacia and Westlife, the one-of-a-kind illuminated steam train is on track to steam through the countryside on heritage railway the Watercress Line from November until January 2021.
Billed as offering a ‘unique, world first, pixel mappable digital LED train’, the Steam Illuminations will not only see the train covered in lights, but every passenger will also get LED wristbands – creating a colourful light show, both on, and in, the train.
A total of 13,174 fully controllable colour mixing LED lights and LED wristbands – which visitors can take home after the event – will be programmed to display different colours and flashing patterns.
Created in partnership with Purple Lighting Ltd, a lighting design and programming company that has worked with stars including Anastacia and Westlife, the light show will be enhanced with popular and traditional music to complete the experience.
Known as the Watercress Line thanks to its history of transporting watercress to the UK’s fresh produce markets during the industry’s heyday in Victorian times, the Mid Hants Railway is one of the country’s most successful heritage railways.
This new event for winter 2020 will start on 14 November and run through to 3 January 2021, with trains departing from either Alresford or Alton on a round trip through picturesque Hampshire countryside, before steaming back to the starting station.
Visitors will have a chance to see the outside of the train at the start, middle and end of the journey. Tickets must be booked in advance. For more details and to book visit
All tourist information for Hampshire can be found at http://www.visit-hampshire.co.uk.