Record Santa season for Leighton Buzzard steam trains
They had more passengers than before the pandemic!
A steam railway in Leighton Buzzard has revealed that ticket sales over the 2021 festive period were the best on record.
It was thanks to Mince Pie Trains and Santa Specials, which were among 107 routes operated across the 16 days.
More than 6,200 passengers travelled during December, beating the record set in 2019.
There was reduced capacity due to Covid, but more than 10% of spaces were filled in the first 24 hours that tickets were sold.
The month included special events including a miniature steam engine, a performance from the Leighton Buzzard Philharmonic Marching Band, and 'after dark' trains.
To ensure safety for all customers, the railway says it used both sets of its carriages, with one set being fully cleaned between departures while the other set makes the 25-minute round trip.
Mince pies and punch were served prior to departure, and after the journey, customers were led to see Santa at intervals in a one-way system to enable social distancing, with all children aged 12 and under receiving a present.