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On track for fun at Steam Weekend

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Marion, a static steam engine driver at Blists Hill.

Steam fans young and old are expected to go loco this weekend when Blists Hill Victorian Town hosts its popular Steam Weekend. 

Taking place on Saturday, May 21 and Sunday, May 22, the event at the Shopshire attraction will give history fans the chance to see how the Victorians harnessed steam to power their engines and machinery – allowing visitors the rare chance to see a variety of steam-powered vehicles up close. 

Visitors will see a variety of machines in the world they originally inhabited, including a selection of visiting engines of various shapes and sizes including those built by Trotter, Foster, Fowler and Aveling and Porter. Those attending the event will also be able to enjoy Blists Hill Victorian Town’s Madeley Wood Company Outdoor Adventure, an exciting family attraction featuring ziplines, slides, structures to climb and explore.

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Jamie Watson, Visitor Engagement Director at The Ironbridge Gorge Museum Trust, said: “We’re excited to welcome visitors young and old to Blists Hill Victorian Town this weekend for our popular Steam event. Being able to showcase these engines, which played such an important role in the Industrial Revolution, is the just one of the ways that the Trust engages visitors with the world-changing story of Ironbridge. 

“As the weather gets warmer, we’re also delighted that visitors will be able to make use of our amazing Outdoor Adventure, which has proven to be such a popular part of the overall Blists Hill experience since it opened last summer. It’s something which really lets children have hands-on fun while learning about the site’s rich mining history. 

“These kinds of events and the incredible facilities we have on site are so important for future generations to appreciate the area’s heritage, as well as enjoy the natural surroundings.” 

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 The trust is one of the region’s premier tourist attractions, sited at the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution with 10 museums along the Gorge. The trust also has the royal seal of approval in the form of its Patron His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales, who has held the role since 1979.

The Ironbridge Gorge was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1986 and to date approximately 16 million tourists have visited the Ironbridge Gorge Museums.  For more information on the trust’s 10 museums and upcoming events, click here.


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