East Lancashire Railway launches Christmas card competition for children

Friday, 28 August 2026 00:36

By David Murphy

East Lancashire Railway has launched a Christmas card competition with four tickets for its Santa Specials among the prizes.

Children are being asked to create a Christmas design inspired by the heritage railway.

Every entry will be included in an online Christmas Card 2026 exhibition.

The winning design will also be printed and displayed, while the winner's family will receive four tickets for the railway's Santa Specials.

The Santa Specials run from Bury Station and include a 90-minute heritage steam train journey through the Irwell Valley.

The event features Christmas characters, a brass band and a visit from Father Christmas, who gives presents to children on board.

East Lancashire Railway chairman Mike Kelly said: “We prepare all year for our beloved Santa Specials, knowing just how excited families are to experience this magical time of the year.

“We all love a competition, and the Christmas Card Challenge has proved very popular. This year, we are delighted to be able to publish every entry in our Christmas Card 2026 online exhibition.

“So, come on, sharpen those coloured pencils and felt tips — or use whatever materials you like — and show us your best Christmas design inspired by Christmas on the ELR. We can’t wait to see what our young artists come up with!”

Entries should be emailed to submissions@eastlancsrailway.co.uk by 9am on 25 September.

The railway said the winner would be announced shortly after the deadline.

East Lancashire Railway operates from Bolton Street Station in Bury along a 12.5-mile route between Heywood and Rawtenstall.

More from Local News

Rochdale Youth Council leader Daniel Murphy announces immediate resignation

Daniel Murphy has announced his resignation from his roles with Rochdale Youth Council and Youth Council UK with immediate effect.
Wardle man lends his voice to poetry trail about recovery

A Wardle man who has been in recovery from substance use for just over a year has contributed to a new poetry and audio walking trail.
Police appeal for witnesses following death of man in Bury

Police are appealing for information following the death of a man who was reportedly assaulted in Bury town centre.
Drug dealer jailed after being shot by police during Whitefield arrest

A drug dealer who was shot in the arm by police as officers attempted to arrest him in Whitefield has been jailed for six years and 10 months.
Edgar Wood Academy celebrates first GCSE results

Pupils at Edgar Wood Academy have received the school's first GCSE results since it opened.
Simister Island overnight closures planned

Simister Island on the M60 will be closed overnight this week and next week as part of the major works on the junction.
Major travel warning issued for Manchester city centre ahead of Pride weekend

Manchester Pride returns to the city centre from Friday 28 to Monday 31 August, with four days of music, live performances, and entertainment taking place across the city. The annual Pride Parade will take place at 12pm on Saturday 29 August.
Energy Secretary responds to Ofgem's £60 a year energy price cap increase

Energy Secretary Miatta Fahnbulleh has made a statement regarding Ofgem's announcement of the next energy price cap which is to take effect in October of this year, costing the average household £60 a year
The Margaret Haes Riding Centre celebrates 60th anniversary

The event was attended by James Frith, MP for Bury North, Cllr Mohammed Tahir Rafiq, Mayor of Bury, and David Catterall, Deputy Lieutenant for Greater Manchester
Rochdale mum passes GCSEs at 40 and secures place on teacher training course

A Rochdale mum-of-three has passed GCSEs in English and maths at the age of 40 as she prepares to retrain as a teacher.
More Rochdale pupils achieve higher GCSE grades in English and maths

More pupils across Rochdale have achieved higher GCSE grades in English and maths, according to the latest results.
Rochdale AFC installs sanitary bins to support men after prostate cancer treatment

Rochdale AFC has installed 26 sanitary bins in men's toilets at the Crown Oil Arena to support men experiencing incontinence, including those who have undergone prostate cancer treatment.