The Thirlmere Festival of Steam is back in 2022 – with more steam than ever!
Visitors will go back in time by either taking a steam train ride or visiting the NSW Rail Museum – or both.
But the festival – which will be held on the weekend of March 12 and 13 – will have something for everyone.
Indeed the village of Thirlmere will come alive with the welcome return of the much loved festival.
Building on a 30 year history, the new look festival will take place over two days and feature more steam locomotives than ever before.
The festival is being delivered thanks to a new partnership between Wollondilly Shire Council and Transport Heritage NSW, operators of the NSW Rail Museum.
“We’re proud to be able to host the state’s premier steam event here in Wollondilly,’’ says Matt Gould, the mayor of Wollondilly Shire Council.
“After an extended period of challenges including bushfires and Covid restrictions, this will provide a boost for tourism and the local economy as well as bringing back one of the community’s favourite events,” he said.
Transport Heritage NSW CEO Andrew Moritz said they would have “at least six historic engines in steam throughout the weekend at the NSW Rail Museum, including the recently overhauled, Legend of Steam Locomotive 3801’’.
“In addition to steam train rides, visitors can enjoy cab visits, steam machinery, live steam models and more all weekend at the NSW Rail Museum,” he said.
On the first day of the festival, Saturday, March 12, the NSW Rail Museum will be open with a variety of steam train rides, driver’s cab visits, a steam and vintage park, mini-train rides and much more.
A special family friendly event will also take place at Thirlmere Sportsground, with carnival rides and activities from 3pm.
On Sunday, March 13, the whole of Thirlmere will come to life with market stalls, a street parade including the NSW Police Band, live performances, as well as steam rides and other activities at the NSW Rail Museum.
For more information, including tickets, visit: www.thirlmerefestivalofsteam.com.au
