FAMILIES were back in their droves as Thomas and friends returned to the East Anglian Railway Museum for bank holiday fun.
The museum in Wakes Colne holds the event four times throughout the year, with thousands of steam fans attending each time.
On the days there are typically four Thomas-themed trains with rides all day long, miniature railways, extra characters alongside Thomas such as the Fat Controller and his team, as well as other entertainment and storytelling.
The bank holiday event was extremely popular once again, with museum trustee Peter Robinson saying it was a big success.
He said: “It was a really good weekend. We were almost fully booked and over the three days almost 3,000 people came.
“The weather was great, and we certainly had really good feedback through the reviews that have come in post-event.
“We tend to find that Easter bank holiday is typically the busiest, but this weekend was the busiest August bank holiday we’ve ever had.”
The event also boosts the museum's coffers to enable its continued work in restoring engines.
Following Covid-related changes to the event, Mr Robinson added it was good to see numbers up once again.
He said: “We had lots of visitors, and it has been great to see the sight full again.
“We did quite well during the Covid period through reduced numbers and other precautions, but lots of people couldn’t come because of it, so it has been nice to get back to normal.”
The museum is now gearing up for future events, with plenty on offer throughout the rest of the year.
Mr Robinson said: “The end of October is next one, but for those that may not be so interested in Thomas, we have other events during the year.
“There is the miniature railway, model railway special day, an industrial steam gala for enthusiasts, plus the museum is open every Saturday, Sunday and Wednesdays for general viewing.”
For more information, visit earm.co.uk.
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