Exhibition train set to visit Lowestoft this summer to mark 200th anniversary of railway industry

An exhibition train looking into the past, present and future of the railway will visit Suffolk as part of a national celebration of the industry’s 200th anniversary.

The touring train, named Inspiration, is expected to visit 60 locations across Britain over 12 months, starting this summer and finishing the following summer.

Greater Anglia and Network Rail Anglia have confirmed the train will stop at Lowestoft station from August 11 to 14.

Admission to the train will be free and booking will open shortly after Easter.

Emma Roberts, programme manager for Railway 200, said: “This special exhibition train will provide a unique visitor experience for hundreds of thousands of people across Britain, including many schoolchildren.

“Inspiration will excite, enlighten, entertain and encourage people to take a fresh view of the railway, as part of its bicentenary celebrations.

“It will also invite visitors to consider a career in rail by showcasing the extensive variety of roles available.”

The exhibition train is the only one on the rail network and has been curated in partnership with the National Railway Museum.

The exhibition train will feature a 'Railway Firsts' coach, a 'Wonderlab on Wheels' and a 'Your Railway Future' carriage, each highlighting different aspects of the railway industry.

There will also be a 'Partner Zone', offering free, flexible exhibition space.