Somerset railways take part in global ‘whistle-up’ event to mark 200th anniversary

  • Bishop Lydeard was one of the railways to take part (video from Alan Hyde).

A heritage railway in Somerset has taken part in a global event to celebrate 200 years of rail travel. 

The ‘Railway 200 Whistle-Up’, spearheaded by the Heritage Railway Association (HRA), involved more than 50 heritage railways in the UK and abroad blowing the whistles of 200 vintage steam and diesel locomotives to herald a year-long celebration.  

On Wednesday 1 January at midday, whistles and horns blew to signal the start of the 200th anniversary of the modern railway.

Railways in other countries took part, including New Zealand, Australia, Peru, USA, South Africa, Sierra Leone, France, Germany and the Netherlands, some with British-built locos. The HRA claims it was the biggest railway heritage mass participation event ever.

West Somerset Railway took place in the West Country, with events at Bishops Lydeard and Williton. 

  • People were out in Williton too (video from Samantha White).

'Railway 200' is a year-long celebration of 200 years of the modern railway. It will explore how rail has shaped national life and encourage more people to consider a career in the railway.  

The anniversary commemorates the launch of the Stockton and Darlington Railway in 1825, a journey that changed the world forever. 

Alan Hyde was at the Bishops Lydeard event. He said: “The 200th anniversary of the modern railway marks a major milestone in our national life. In time-honoured fashion, the whistle-up fanfare launches what promises to be a memorable year with lots of exciting activities and events planned to celebrate the past, present and future of rail.”

Celebrations took place in Bishop Lydeard. Credit: Alan Hyde

Steve Oates, chief executive of the HRA, said: “The railways made so much of the world we now live in possible. From package holidays to commuting and even the concept of standardised time, it was the coming of the railways that kickstarted it all and transformed communities across the globe. It’s important that we don’t let the landmark 200th anniversary go without a sizeable celebration.

“The whistle-up is a great chance for everyone involved in railways, big and small across the world, to join in the celebrations and see in 2025 in style by reviving a tradition from the age of steam.”