The South West Wales Connected Community Rail Partnership (CRP) was proud to produce a special event to honour the Swansea and Mumbles Railway as part of the nationwide Railway 200 celebrations.

The event on Saturday 22 March featured a range of activities that involved councils, community groups and local schools all coming together to celebrate Swansea’s rich railway heritage.

The exciting gathering paid tribute to the world’s first ever passenger fare-paying railway, which began operation in 1807, and featured talks from local historians, live music and a range of other fun, free activities for the whole family.

South West Wales Connected hopes the celebration will serve as a pilot initiative for an annual tradition.

Eve Sherratt, community rail officer at South West Wales Connected, said: “The Mumbles Railway was a pioneering transport system, and this festival was a chance to celebrate its legacy and bring people together.

“We’re delighted to have worked with so many local organisations to help make this a great community event. It certainly was a memorable occasion, bringing history to life for attendees and enthusiasts of all ages.”

Dr Louise Moon, one of the Railway 200 coordinators, said: “Railway 200 is about celebrating the impact of railways on our communities, past, present, and future. The Mumbles Railway was a world first, and it was fantastic to see it being recognised as part of these national celebrations.”

Keep up to date with future news, projects and events from South West Wales Connected via their website.