The Downpatrick & County Down Railway’s first trains to operate since the devastating floods of November 2023 are selling out fast, with fans of the local heritage railway eager to return to the tracks.
Following the successful relaunch of the DCDR’s flagship Halloween event as an immersive on-board theatre performance last year, the “Phantom Flyer” returns to the tracks once more.
As the time to board draws near, there’s something strange a-coming at the railway this Halloween. An ill wind is brewing, and it’s getting spookier by the day. As Halloween approaches, whispers of ghostly happenings and strange encounters are spreading through Downpatrick, like a deathly cold breeze on a chilly night, making the hairs on the back of your neck stand up.
Railway Chairman Robert Gardiner explained, “Since the vanquishing of Count Magnus twelve months ago, the railway has been as quiet as the grave. But all of that is about to change. The veil between worlds will be torn apart as ancient spirits set their sights on Downpatrick once again. Malevolent monsters, zombies, spooks, and apparitions will walk the tracks and carriages.”
He adds, “This year, a team of seasoned local ghost hunters has uncovered a horrifying truth – ancient spirits have stirred within the heart of Downpatrick, endeavouring to breach the divide between realms and our world. To bolster its sinister forces, they’ve conjured a legion of malevolent monsters and apparitions, including a malevolent witch and a zombie railway worker.
“But don’t worry,” he says reassuringly, “we’re not scared! We know just who to call – legendary ghost and vampire hunting expert Van Helsing, but he can’t do it alone.”
Mr Gardiner appeals to all ghostbusters, “Can you join us to take back our railway from these ghostly fiends? Hop on the Phantom Flyer, our special Halloween Scream Train, if you’re a brave spook hunter, and help our guardian chase away this ancient mischief from our tracks. But be careful; the line between being a hero and becoming a ghost’s snack is very thin! Don your darkest Halloween outfits to fit in with your mysterious fellow passengers, and together, we shall face the darkness that lurks in Downpatrick’s historic railway.”
The Phantom Flyer is pulling out of the station this coming weekend, Saturday and Sunday, 26th and 27th October. Adult and child tickets cost £13.50, while a Family Saver ticket (2 adults + 2 kids) is £50.00.
To book, log on to the DCDR’s website at www.downrail.co.uk/halloween