South Devon Railway joins New Year whistle-up

South Devon Railway is gearing up to mark the 200th anniversary of the modern railway with a spectacular New Year’s Day celebration. 

The railway, which runs through the River Dart valley between Buckfastleigh and Totnes, will take part in a global “Whistle-Up” event at midday on 1 January 2025.

The Whistle-Up, organised by the Heritage Railway Association (HRA), will see over 50 heritage railways and nearly 200 locomotives worldwide blow their whistles simultaneously. Railways in countries including Holland, South Africa, and Sierra Leone will join the celebration, alongside British-built locomotives.

Alasdair Page, based at South Devon Railway, explained: “On the 1st January we will be participating in the nationwide ‘whistle-up’ at mid-day. To help get everyone into the spirit of Railway 200, we will be inviting the first 200 children to travel free on that day. We will also be presenting them with a free wooden train whistle that they can blow alongside our historic steam locomotive at 12pm.”

The station’s website states: “We invite local communities, families, and train enthusiasts to experience this historic moment and celebrate the nostalgic charm of steam railways. Visitors can enjoy a special offer, with 200 free children’s tickets available for this event. Each of the first 200 children booked online will also receive a complimentary wooden whistle upon arrival, ready to sound on the platform at midday.”

The Railway 200 Whistle-Up launches a year-long commemoration of the Stockton and Darlington Railway’s groundbreaking 1825 debut, which heralded the start of modern rail travel. 

Events will explore rail’s transformative impact on society and promote railway careers to inspire a new generation.

The event will include contributions from train enthusiasts worldwide. 

Model railway company Hornby will feature whistling model trains, and social media users are encouraged to post videos of their own whistles and horns using #Railway200 and #WhistleUp200.

Rail Minister Lord Hendy described the celebrations as “a unique opportunity to honour a groundbreaking moment in our history while looking boldly towards the future,” highlighting rail’s ongoing role in connecting communities and driving economic growth.

Steve Oates, CEO of the Heritage Railway Association, added: “The railways transformed the world, from standardised time to global travel. This 200th anniversary is a chance to celebrate their extraordinary legacy and look ahead to their future.”

South Devon Railway’s New Year’s Day event promises a memorable way to welcome 2025 while celebrating a defining chapter in transport history.