VICTORIAN dress is encouraged as Swanage Railway volunteers hold a Christmas carol event this week.

The event is taking place on Friday and will feature members of the Swanage Town Band and the Harmony Rocks ladies' choir.

There will be half-hour carol singing sessions at festively decorated Harman's Cross and Corfe Castle stations – as well as at Swanage on the train's return – with carol sheets provided so passengers can sing along.

Hauled by Victorian-designed London and South Western Railway M7 class tank locomotive No. 30053, built in London during 1905, the special train departs Swanage at 7pm for the two-hour event of festive music and song.

Mulled wine will be on sale when the festively decorated Christmas carol steam train calls at Harman's Cross and Corfe Castle stations while passengers will receive a complimentary festive drink and mince pie.

A second steam-hauled Christmas carol train, which will not have a Victorian theme, will also take to the rails on Friday, December 11 with the Swanage Town Crier as a special guest.

The Harmony Rocks choir, which meets at Harman's Cross village hall on Wednesday afternoons, will be led by Clare Perriss.

Swanage Railway general manager Matt Green said: "An experienced piano accompanist and professional jazz pianist, Clare has extensive experience in directing musical productions, concert bands, small ensembles and choirs.

"She has a huge repertoire of traditional and contemporary Christmas music and in addition to the well known sing-along Christmas favourite carols."

Passengers can only board the special Christmas carol trains at Swanage from 6.45pm where they will be greeted by musicians playing seasonal music.

The two special fundraising events are being staged by a dedicated group of Swanage Railway volunteers that maintains and develops Harman's Cross station.

Mr Green said: "Our festive Christmas carol trains have a lovely and very heart-warming atmosphere.

"They will be evocative and unforgettable events that are the perfect start to December's Christmas preparations.

"I would like to say a big thank you to the dedicated team of volunteers that has organised the Christmas carol trains for their hard work and attention to detail for what will be two very special evenings."

Tickets for the Victorian Christmas Carol train are £14.50 for adults, £8 for children aged five to 15 and children under the age of five free. Family tickets are £38.50 for two adults and up to three children.

Tickets for the second Christmas Carol train are £12.50 for adults, £7 for children aged five to 15 and children under the age of five free. Family tickets are £33.50 for two adults and up to three children.

To buy tickets for the Christmas carol steam trains visit swanagerailway.co.uk or call 01929 475203.

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