Isle of Man Railways has published a pictorial events calendar for 2012. As well as stunning photography of steam locomotives and electric trams, all key dates and special events on the Island’s railways are highlighted in the calendar, available from the Welcome Centre at Douglas Sea Terminal, priced ?5. The photographs were selected from images taken of this year’s events, some of which were entered as part of a competition run by IoM Railways. The overall winner, Steve Chapple, of Port Erin, submitted December’s image of Santa Trains – No.10 GH Wood and No.13 Kissack double header out of Castletown. His prize is a footplate ride on the steam railway next year. IoM Railways’ photograph competition will be repeated next year. Details are printed on the calendars, which will also be available from Douglas, Castletown and Port Erin stations when the Santa trains are running on 3, 4, 10, 11 and 17 December. Richard Little, Marketing Manager for IoM Public Transport, said: ‘The Island’s railways are fortunate in having a huge fan base and we are grateful for their photographic efforts that have enabled us to publish this year’s calendar. At ?5 it makes a good stocking filler while another excellent Christmas present is either a beginner or intermediate driving experience on the Manx Electric Railway.’ For more details of driving experiences and bookings contact marieannebridges@gov.im or phone (01624) 662525. Planned events for next season build on the success of this year by repeating popular specials including the Rail Ale and Rolling Stock event (28 September) and Teddy Bears’ Picnic (26 August). New events include a Wizards’ Express with a Harry Potter theme (31 March – 1 April). By kind permission of Warner Brothers and J K Rowling, IoM Junior Achievement are hosting a day of Harry Potter inspired, fun-filled activities at Castletown to provide a great day out for all the family and raise funds for charity. The successful Island At War weekend returns 18-19 August while the Victorian Extravaganza is repeated on 30 June and 1 July at Laxey. Popular Summit dining experiences recommence with Seven Kingdoms lunches from 8 April (Easter Sunday) and Sunset Dinners from 9 May. Hon Tim Crookall MHK, Minister for Community, Culture and Leisure, said: ‘The Isle of Man is fortunate to have retained its unrivalled network of Victorian steam and electric railways, and they continue to delight both visitors and residents. Significant ongoing investment has ensured track and stock are being maintained and restored while special events aimed at all ages have proved increasingly popular. We still have the popular Santa trains to run this year and I look forward to the varied 2012 calendar of events building on the success of recent years.’ IoM Railways event highlights for 2012 include: 14 February: Valentines Love Train A romantic journey on the steam railway 25 February : Winter Photography on the Steam Railway Unique opportunity for winter photography in the steam railway yard 3 March: Musical Gala Travel by steam railway for a unique evening of Old Time Music Hall entertainment at the Erin Arts Centre, Port Erin. On board, enjoy a range of drinks and snacks from our bar and sing along to the classics with some of the performers you will see on stage later that evening. 18 March: Thanks Mum Say ‘Thanks Mum’ this Mother’s Day and treat her to lunch on the steam railway. 31 March & 1 April: Wizards’ Express Climb aboard the Wizards’ Express from Douglas to Castletown and enjoy fun filled activities inspired by the Harry Potter films. A great day out for all the family to help raise money for Charity; Junior Achievement. Warner Bros Entertainment and J.K. Rowling are not responsible for this event but, subject to conditions, have kindly granted Junior Achievement permission to use the Harry Potter trademark and other materials. 7 to 9 April: Rush Hour on the Railways This Easter celebrate the Rush Hour on the Railways, three days of enhanced services on the Island’s Steam Railway, including steam workshop tours and great photo opportunities. 8 April: Easter Bunny The Easter Bunny will be at Laxey Station handing out free eggs to those travelling by tram. Continue up Snaefell for lunch at the Summit. 4 to 6 May: Rail Ale to Real Ale Ride the Rail Ale train to the festival of real ale at the Falcon’s Nest in Port Erin 26 & 27 May: Swinging 60s Ride the tram to Laxey and step back to the 60s, with entertainment, music, memorabilia and vehicles from the era. 17 June: Dad’s Day Out Treat Dad to a great day out on the Manx Electric Railway 30 June & 1 July A Victorian Extravaganza! A magnificent celebration on the unique Victorian Manx Electric Railway, with entertainment from the Travelling Museum of Curiosities and Wonderment and Laxey Fair. 25 to 29 July: Manx Heritage Transport Festival Five days of vintage transport will delight visitors to the Island in July. The Manx Heritage Transport Festival features steam and electric railways, vintage bikes, classic cars, buses and more. 18 & 19 August: Island at War on the Steam Railway Wartime 1940s on the Steam Railway, watch out for the spy! 26 August: Teddy Bears' Picnic with the Steam Railway If you ride down on the train today, you’re in for a big surprise, If you ride down on the train today, you will not believe your eyes, For every child under sixteen, who brings a teddy travels for free Because today’s the day the Teddy Bears have their picnic. 8 September: A Night at the Opera Board the steam train at Douglas and relax with a glass from our on-board bar, as you travel in style to an exclusive night of opera at the Erin Arts Centre (black tie event). 8 & 9 September: Family Fun Weekend on the Railways Douglas Steam Railway station will be a hub of activity, with bouncy castles, slides, magicians and free rides on the Wicked Wickham, vintage bus and our open carriages. 28 September: Rolling Stock To celebrate the end of summer we will be repeating our sell out Rolling Lunch and Rail Ale trains. 26 to 28 October: Hop-tu-Naa Ghost trains Ride the Ghost Train to the Castle of the Cursed or learn about some Manx folklore and visit Jinny the Witch and friends at Cregneash 3 November: Winter photography on the Manx Electric Railway Unique opportunity for winter photography on the Manx Electric Railway. 5 November: Ride the Rocket Ride the Rocket Express to Port Erin Fireworks display 1, 2, 8, 9 and 15 December Santa Trains to the Christmas Castle Kingdom Santa trains will take you to visit Santa in his Christmas Kingdom at Castle Rushen, where you can then go on to enjoy the Castletown Christmas Market 29 December: Blow Away the Cobwebs Re-fresh and re-vitalise yourself after Christmas with a brisk journey on the steam railway. For all events and latest news, see the events page of the website: www.iombusandrail.info or follow them on facebook: www.facebook.com/isleofmanrailways ENDS