2010 - Celebrating 175 Years of the Great Western Railway!
For information about the GWR 175 celebrations please see GWR 175.
March
Evening Star’s 50th Birthday
Saturday 13 March
Come and join us to celebrate the birthday of this famous locomotive. Find out about Evening Star by listening to the stories of the men and women who worked on her. Enjoy a slice of Birthday Cake as well! Children can take part in a "design a birthday card" competition with the chance of winning a fantastic art set.
Young children can enjoy the extra attraction of the miniature ride-on railway, courtesy of STEAM volunteers.
Special Birthday Entry Fee: 2 for 1 offer (cheapest visitor goes free)
Meet the Railway Workers
Featuring Evening Star and Caerphilly Castle
Saturday 13 and Saturday 27 March
For full details please see Meet the Railway Workers.
April
Easter Holiday Fun
Friday 2 April to Sunday 18 April, 10.00am-4.00pm
Kids' activities for the school holiday.
For full details please see Easter Holiday Fun.
Easter Egg Trail
Friday 2 April to Tuesday 6 April, 10.00am-5.00pm
A egg hunt throughout the museum.
For full details please see Easter Egg Trail
BBC Antiques Roadshow
22 April
Bring your treasures, or just come along for the fun.
For full details please see Antiques Roadshow.
Meet the Railway Workers
Featuring Evening Star and Caerphilly Castle
10 and 24 April
For full details please see Meet the Railway Workers.
May
Day out with Thomas
22 and 23 May
A great family day out where children get to meet Thomas the Tank Engine and his friends.
Meet the Railway Workers
Featuring Evening Star and Caerphilly Castle
8 and 22 May
For full details please see Meet the Railway Workers.
June
Lights, Camera, Traction!
1 June - 31 December
Special Exhibition exploring the role of the GWR in film.
STEAM’s 10th Birthday
12 and 13 June
Come and join the party! With the emphasis on family entertainment, the Museum celebrates its first big milestone. STEAM’s railway volunteers will welcome you aboard Evening Star and Caerphilly Castle and there will be plenty of opportunities to hear stories and share memories of the Golden age of STEAM.
Meet the Railway Workers
Featuring Evening Star and Caerphilly Castle
5 and 19 June
For full details please see Meet the Railway Workers.
July
Meet the Railway Workers
Featuring Evening Star and Caerphilly Castle
3, 17 and 31 July
For full details please see Meet the Railway Workers.
August
GWR 175 Gala Dinner
21 August
Book your seats early for this one-off gala dinner to celebrate the 175th anniversary of the Great Western Railway. Guest speakers include Pete Waterman, OBE and Andrew McNaughton, FREng, Special Professor of Rail Engineering at Nottingham University.
Railway Workers Weekend
28 and 29 August
Railway workers and their families from all over the country are invited to STEAM to celebrate the fantastic history of the GWR. Free entry to ex railway workers!
Meet the Railway Workers
Featuring Evening Star and Caerphilly Castle
14 and 28 August
For full details please see Meet the Railway Workers.
September
The Swindon Railway Festival
11 and 12 September
Pete Waterman, plus Hornby and Bachmann road shows and model railways galore, will entertain families and railway enthusiasts alike.
Meet the Railway Workers
Featuring Evening Star and Caerphilly Castle
11 and 25 September
For full details please see Meet the Railway Workers.
October
The Great Western LEGO Show
2 and 3 October
Discover a LEGO wonderland, with amazing displays, LEGO Shop and an interactive mosaic – for all ages to enjoy!
Swindon Beer Festival
28-30 October
The unmissable Swindon & North Wilts CAMRA Annual Beer Festival is back with a 175 theme.
Meet the Railway Workers
Featuring Evening Star and Caerphilly Castle
9 and 23 October
For full details please see Meet the Railway Workers.
November
Remembrance Sunday Service
14 November
This service is held alongside the war memorials that are on permanent display at STEAM.
Meet the Railway Workers
Featuring Evening Star and Caerphilly Castle
6 and 20 November
For full details please see Meet the Railway Workers.
December
Christmas at STEAM
4 and 5 December
Sumptuous stalls selling luxury gifts and seasonal fayre, plus barrel organs and brass bands to get you in the festive mood as you walk through the Museum and enjoy this Christmas wonderland! Entry is just £1.00 per person!
Meet the Railway Workers
Featuring Evening Star and Caerphilly Castle
4 and 18 December
For full details please see Meet the Railway Workers.
Please note that this programme is subject to change. Please call us on 01793 466646 or 466637 for details.
Palkrail at STEAM
The Museum miniature railway, managed by STEAM volunteers, operates during most special event weekends, bank holiday weekends and school holidays.
Weddings - All Year Round
Please phone Ian Surtees on 01793 466619 for details.
Corporate Events - All Year Round
Please phone Ian Surtees on 01793 466619 for details.
Fancy Running an Event at STEAM?
STEAM is much more than a museum - it's also a place where people come to take part in a whole range of big and small events, from themed party events, festivals and family fun weekends, to book signings, story-times and hobby shows.
With such a unique location and magical atmosphere, STEAM could be the perfect venue for your organisation or club to hold a special event. We'd love to hear your ideas! Just call Ian Surtees on 01793 466619 or e-mail isurtees@swindon.gov.uk for details.