Organisations that support and promote the Settle Carlisle Railway are working together to provide a year of celebrations marking 150 years of passenger services along the world-famous line.

The first passenger train travelled over the famous Ribblehead Viaduct along the 73-mile line on 1 May 1876. To mark the anniversary, the Settle Carlisle Railway ‘family’ – Settle Carlisle Railway Development Company, Friends of the Settle Carlisle Line and Settle Carlisle Railway Trust – are hosting a wide range of activities throughout the year, working with communities along the line.

The celebrations officially started on Wednesday 4 February with a Stakeholder Breakfast for supporters at The Victoria Hall in Settle.

A series of events and activities are planned throughout the year, including:

• A competition where photographers of all abilities are encouraged to capture images of the stations along the line, on the theme of ‘connecting communities’.
• The refurbished Ribblehead Station Café and Visitor Centre reopening to the public.
• A Settle Carlisle ‘passport’, challenging passengers to collect unique brass rubbings at each station.   
• A Ride to Stride festival which will take place from 28 April to 4 May, celebrating the many routes accessible via the Settle Carlisle line, with guided walks, talks and music.
• Arts and heritage projects with local primary schools.
• An anniversary Charter Steam Train taking passengers from Carlisle to York on 25 May.
• A new play about the Settle Carlisle line by local playwright Joan Barnard, working with Kirkby Stephen-based Vagabond Theatre Group, who will perform their premiere in the Public Hall, Appleby on Saturday 4 July and their second performance in The Victoria Hall, Settle on Sunday 5 July. The matinee performances will enable people to travel by train to see both performances. 
• Links with the annual Flowerpot Festival, where volunteers in Settle and Appleby will come together for workshops and host their own town displays and trails.

Pete Myers, chair of the Settle Carlisle Railway Development Company, said: “The Settle Carlisle line has a very special place in people’s hearts. It is an iconic line, with the most beautiful scenery and history. There are many opportunities for people to get involved and enjoy celebrating our 150th anniversary.”

Bryan Gray, chair of the Settle Carlisle Railway Trust, said: “The Friends, the Trust and the Development Company form a unique partnership working together with Network Rail and Northern. Over 40 years ago, Michael Portillo charged us with supporting and promoting the line. I think we can all be proud of what has been achieved as we approach this remarkable anniversary milestone.”

Keep up to date with future news, projects and events from the Settle Carlisle Railway Development Company via their website.