THE SOUNDTRACK of the Swinging Sixties will fill the Dee Valley when the Llangollen and Corwen Railway’s 1960s Weekend on Saturday, August 1 and Sunday, August 2, bringing together live music, heritage trains, historic reenactments and family entertainment in one of the railway’s biggest events of the year. Visitors will step back to a time when Britain’s railways were undergoing dramatic change, as stations across the line are transformed into authentic 1960s scenes complete with volunteers in period dress, themed announcements, interactive performances and living history displays.
Throughout the weekend, a programme of live music will celebrate the decade that changed popular culture forever. Local favourite Chris Burton will perform many of the era’s biggest hits, including timeless Beatles classics while dressed as an early Beatle. Award-winning local performers Rose and Jacob will entertain visitors with a mix of sixties pop and folk favourites, while Esme Sallnow will bring together the sounds of artists including Nina Simone and Freddie & The Dreamers. On Sunday afternoon, North Wales charity band Jabberwocky will round off the celebrations with an energetic blend of soul, blues and classic sixties hits.
Visitors can enjoy unlimited travel on heritage trains while exploring attractions at Llangollen, Berwyn, Glyndyfrdwy, Carrog and Corwen. The weekend features the Welsh Bobbies in authentic British Transport Commission Police uniforms, dramatic protests against the proposed railway closures, Beeching’s passenger survey teams, goods loading demonstrations, vintage Crosville bus tours, classic vehicles, historical exhibitions and Beeching’s Bar, serving a selection of local real ales throughout the weekend.
Mandy Towers, Llangollen Station Master and one of the organisers of SIXTIES WEEKEND, said, “SIXTIES WEEKEND is all about bringing history to life.
“As soon as visitors arrive they’ll be transported back to the 1960s, with heritage trains, period costumes, live music and historical reenactments creating an atmosphere that’s unlike anything else.
“Every station has something different to discover, so people can spend the whole day exploring the railway and enjoying everything that’s happening along the line.”
She added: “It’s a wonderful event for families, railway enthusiasts and anyone who loves the nostalgia of the 1960s.
“Our volunteers have worked incredibly hard to recreate the look and feel of the decade, and we’re looking forward to welcoming visitors for what promises to be a fantastic weekend.”
As the sun sets on Saturday, the celebrations continue with one of the highlights of the weekend – the Saturday Night Dance at Llangollen Railway Station.
From 6pm, the station will come alive as Dave ‘Boss’ Griffin spins the biggest hits of the decade before live band Dammit, featuring railway legend Harry Barber on drums, take to the stage from 7.45pm until 9.15pm. Dave then returns to keep the platforms swinging until the evening draws to a close.
With Beeching’s Bar serving local real ales, hot food available throughout the evening and heritage trains bringing guests to and from stations along the line, the dance offers a truly unique way to experience the railway after dark.
Joe Walker, one of the organisers said, “The Saturday Night Dance is going to be something really special. Where else can you arrive by heritage train, enjoy a drink in a beautifully restored station, listen to live music and dance the night away to the biggest hits of the 1960s? It’s a brilliant way to round off a day at SIXTIES WEEKEND and we hope people really embrace the occasion by dressing up and joining in the fun.”
He added: “Whether you’re visiting for the whole weekend or just coming along on Saturday evening, you’ll be part of an atmosphere that’s full of energy, nostalgia and great music. We can’t wait to welcome everyone to Llangollen and celebrate one of the greatest decades in British history.”
The Saturday Night Dance costs £10, or just £5 when purchased with a SIXTIES WEEKEND Day Rover ticket, with evening rail travel included for visitors joining from Corwen, Carrog, Glyndyfrdwy and Berwyn.
With live music, heritage trains, immersive reenactments and entertainment around every corner, SIXTIES WEEKEND promises an unforgettable journey back to one of Britain’s most colourful decades.
For more information about the SIXTIES WEEKEND, visit the Llangollen and Corwen Railway website.
