Railway faces 'tricky' 2026 after quieter Christmas

A heritage railway said it was facing 2026 in a "trickier position" after a challenging Christmas.

The Nene Valley Railway (NVR), near Peterborough, has relied heavily on festive events to bolster income and keep it running all year round.

But chairman Michael Purcell told BBC Radio Cambridgeshire visitor numbers "were down compared with last year" and there had been "fewer full trains".

He said: "We haven't had all the income we want to make... we start next year on a trickier position.

"We have to look at our planned programmes for next year [2026]... and see what we can do about that."

In 2025, the volunteer-run NVR launched an urgent appeal to raise £300,000 to help keep it running in the face of rising costs and financial challenges.

The railway, which has its headquarters at Wansford Station, runs for 7.5 miles (12km) and covers the stations of Overton, Orton Mere, Yarwell Junction, and Peterborough.

It has featured in 150 commercials, TV programmes and films, including the Bond film Octopussy, which starred Roger Moore.

The NVR previously said it had received grants and donations - but the best way for the public to support it was by riding on a train.

Christmas events and entertainment at NVR had included a trip to meet Santa, but the chairman said a drop in numbers reflected cost of living challenges.

"The event was amazing. However, on reflection our visitor numbers were down," he said.

"All heritage railways rely on Christmas and we are no exception.

"I think its a reflection of belt-tightening for people."

Despite the challenges, NVR said events planned in 2026 included Thomas-themed days, fish and chip trains and afternoon teas.

The railway is hoping to attract more visiting locomotives, as visitor expectations increasingly focus on memorable, once-in-a-lifetime experiences, he said.

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