One of Cumbria’s most iconic visitor attractions could be adding to its trophy cabinet at the world’s biggest heritage rail awards.
The shortlist for the Heritage Railway Association Annual Awards 2024 has been revealed, with Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway shortlisted in two categories: ‘Railway of the Year’ and ‘Marketing and Communications’.
The ultimate winners will be announced at a special gala event in Brighton on Saturday 10 February. All eyes will be on the prestigious ‘Railway of the Year’ category, with Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway competing against Seaton Tramway and the Volks Electric Railway for the honour.
Meanwhile, the affectionately named ‘La'al Ratty’ is also one of the three finalists in the ‘Award for Marketing and Communications’.
Selected for its events marketing, some of Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway’s high-profile events this year included May’s special Steam Gala Weekend and its Young Engineers’ Days, as well as the upcoming ‘Winter Warmer’ trains, which will be running from Boxing Day to New Year’s Day.
Stuart Ross, General Manager (Visitor Experience) at the Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway, says: " To be recognised alongside some of the UK’s best-known heritage railways is a real tribute to the hard work our staff put in to ensure passengers have the best possible experience.
“The HRA awards are a prestigious event in the heritage railway calendar and we’re looking forward to hearing the final results later in the New Year.”
Heritage Railway Association Chief Executive, Steve Oates, adds: “I don’t think I’ve ever seen a shortlist as rich and varied as this one. It really is representative of the whole spectrum of heritage rail in the UK and it’s also been perhaps the toughest to shortlist for.
“Some categories had half a dozen or more entries that were all potential winners. I think we’re in for a hugely exciting evening at our awards event in Brighton during February.”
ENDS
Notes to Editors:
For further information or images, please contact:
Heather Sewell, hsewell@cumbriatourism.org / 07795 487003.
Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway is a family-owned business operating a heritage, narrow gauge steam railway on the Western Coast of the Lake District. The railway is surrounded by stunning views and walks and is based in Ravenglass, the only coastal village in the Lake District National Park.
