Fans of the hit Christmas film The Polar Express will be able to bring the magic to life this year, when a train experience visits the north of England.
For the first time, the enchanting event The Polar Express Train Ride will visit Yorkshire, promising a blend of theatre and all the wonder of the Great British steam engine.
On board, guests – who are actively encourage to arrive in pyjamas and dressing gowns – are treated to hot chocolates and cookies alongside live performances, The Hoot Leeds reports.
Inspired by 2004 hit film The Polar Express starring Tom Hanks, where a boy boards a mysterious train bound for the North Pole (aka the home of Santa Claus) the Yorkshire event hopes to bring the magic of the season to life.
The Polar Express Train Ride is set to depart from Bolton Abbey Station from NoA new David Bowie-inspired gyros kitchen has opened in Manchestervember through to Christmas Eve.
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Guests arrive to the train station – hopefully cosy in their pyjamas – ready to board the magical train, with friendly chefs helping you to find your seats.
Actors on board The Polar Express Train Ride experiencePassengers are welcomed by singing chefsHot chocolates and cookies are servedGuests will get to meet Santa
Then as the train begins its journey, iconic moments from the Christmas classic film will come to life with some of the film’s most beloved characters.
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Santa and his elf might even make a special appearance to deliver the first gift of Christmas…
Embsay & Bolton Abbey Steam Railway said: “Do you believe? We at Embsay & Bolton Abbey Steam Railway certainly do and that is why we are proud to be hosting an exciting magical experience like no other.
“The Polar Express Train Ride is coming to Bolton Abbey in 2023 with the magic of the 2004 motion picture The Polar Express being theatrically re-created so you and your family can be immersed in the sights, sounds and intrigue of this classic children’s tale.
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“Prepare to be surrounded by the magic and wonder of the Christmas season!”
Tickets are on sale now, with classic tickets priced between £33.95 and £44.95 – that includes hot chocolate, a golden ticket, reserved seats in the historic carriages, a freshly baked cookie, and a gift from Santa.
You can also book premium seats for £43.95 to £54.95, which includes all of the above plus a The Polar Express Train Ride souvenir mug, a goodie bag, and seats in Premium Class.
Accessible tickets and SEN experiences are also available.
Government launches £442m drive to get rough sleepers off streets before Christmas
Emily Sergeant
Prime Minister Andy Burnham has launched a £442m drive to get rough sleepers off the streets before Christmas.
Learning from ‘innovative’ approaches put into place during the pandemic, the Government has announced that new accommodation will be rolled out across England this winter, as well as offering practical help with housing, health, and other needs to support people to build a more stable life for themselves in the future.
The new commitment to offer everyone a route off the streets this Christmas, along with boosted funding, reflect Andy Burnham‘s national drive to make ‘real change’ and get everyone playing their part in ending rough sleeping.
Not only will these plans change the lives of rough sleepers, but it’s also said they will have huge benefits for the country as a whole.
Research from homelessness charity Crisis suggests that by preventing 40,000 people from becoming homeless for a year, taxpayers could save around £370 million.
The Government has launched a £442m drive to get rough sleepers off the streets before Christmas / Credit: Number 10 Press Office | Jon Tyson (via Unsplash)
As well provisions to get people off the streets, and the intensive ‘wraparound’ support, the newly allocated funding will also help local areas deliver more than 1,000 ‘settled’ homes over the next three years, it has been confirmed.
Areas facing the greatest pressures will receive the largest share of support.
Working alongside councils, Mayors will play a leading role in driving local action to end rough sleeping, and will be tasked with making decisions that are right for their communities to deliver help where it’s needed most.
The Prime Minister says he ‘won’t accept’ rough sleeping any longer. He commented: “No one should have to bed down in a doorway or outside a station, but we’ve seen it for so long that it feels like Westminster has started to accept it.
“That’s why my first instruction as Prime Minister was to end rough sleeping, and it’s why today we’re getting started with a national drive to get everyone in for Christmas. We did it in the pandemic, we can do it again. But it needs all of us.
“Government will put the money in, but I’m asking leaders in communities and sectors across society to play their part locally too.
“Let’s get people out the cold, and let’s bring back hope.”
Featured Image – Gary Knight (via Flickr)
Christmas
You can ALREADY book tickets for Greater Manchester’s beloved Santa steam trains this Christmas
Emily Sergeant
Greater Manchester’s beloved Santa steam train rides are back for more festive fun this Christmas, and tickets are already on sale… genuinely.
Sure, it’s literally the middle of August, and we’ve still got the rest of summer, and the small matter of a bank holiday weekend, Halloween, and Bonfire Night to get through first, but East Lancashire Railway (ELR) is already looking ahead to the most magical time of year.
The iconic heritage railway has announced that its hugely-popular ‘Santa Specials’ steam trains are back once again from late November.
The famous festive steam trains have become an essential part of Christmas for many families in the North West.
Santa Specials are your chance to hop on board an old-school steam train and travel through the magical Irwell Valley to make ‘enchanted memories’ that last a lifetime.
You can ALREADY book tickets for Greater Manchester’s beloved Santa steam trains this Christmas / Credit: Darren Robinson Photography (via ELR)
The truly special Christmas day out starts as you make your way through a winter wonderland at Bury Bolton Street Station, and first get to meet some old favourites and new characters – including the magical talking Christmas tree, Mrs Claus, and ELR’s very own Ice Princess – all before before having a singalong with a chorus of musical polar bears.
The festive fun then continues on the Santa Special steam trains themselves – with an 80-minute ‘enchanting voyage’ through the picturesque Greater Manchester countryside.
And, of course, you can expect a special visit from Santa while you’re on board.
After you’ve grabbed a selfie or two with the big man himself, the grown-ups can look forward to mince pies and festive tipples, while little Mancs can enjoy a soft drink, some chocolate, and take a festive-themed activity pack home with them.
Daisy Jackson -
27th July 2023 
