Whether you know all of the proper names of Britain’s famous locomotives or you are only familiar with a few episodes of Chuggington, Railfest is something that your whole family (dads and granddads included) will enjoy. From the 2-10 of June (a perfect time to treat dad or grandad to a day out for Father's day!) an area the size of 11 football pitches will be bustling with more than 50 locomotives and will host the largest gathering of railway record breakers ever brought together. The festival will be formally opened with the renaming of East Coast No.91110 which Carol Vorderman will be unveiling with the RAF Battle of Britain Memorial Flight providing a flypast.

Your family can take a ride on standard gauge, narrow gauge and miniature railways, climb inside the driver’s cabs and stand on the footplates. There is a special theatre show called “In A Class Of Its Own” to see, activities for younger children to be explore in the Chuggington area or take some time out in the family chillout area to give those feet a rest before marveling at the steam model railway layout or exploring the stories behind the Railfest vehicles at one of the short spotlight talks. There is even live music, an artist in residence and of course refreshments. 

Things to Know Before You Go:

• There will be a level route to as much of the Railfest site as possible. You will be able to get close to all the vehicles. A small number of vehicles will be positioned alongside platforms, but access to the cabs of most vehicles will be by steps. Railfest hopes to have accessible carriages running on the standard gauge, narrow gauge and miniature railway rides.
• There will be limited parking for buggies. Baby change is available in the museum toilets as normal.
• Tickets can be bought at nrm.org.uk/railfest2012 Ticket prices start at £8 for chidren aged 2-15 years and £13 for an adult. Family tickets and group offers are available, with different options for families such as 2 adults and 1 child or 1 adult and 2 children etc so you can find the perfect ticket for your family. 
• Railfest will be hosted in an outdoor area at the museum with entry to the rest of the museum remaining free to visitors during the 9 day event.
• If you're disabled and require a carer, they'll be able to get in free with your ticket.