29/06/2009

 Issued By: National Railway Museum

Harry Potter fans should make tracks for the National Railway Museum (NRM), this summer holiday to get up close to one of the stars of the popular films.

The locomotive that appeared in the Warner Bros-produced movie series, No. 5972 Olton Hall, will be on display at the Museum throughout the summer holidays (26 July -30 August) and will be hauling steam rides every Sunday.

Apart from ‘Steam Sundays,' families will also be enthralled by the NRM's new Learning Platform which opens with a bang on Monday 20 July with the launch of the Museum's explosive new show ‘From Rocket to Bullet.' Young and old alike can discover how big things travel fast by launching elephants or watch a doll being fired from a cannon to demonstrate how steam pressure works.

Every day the Learning Platform will offer action-packed workshops which explore the science of how trains move as well as story telling sessions for the younger audience.

To tie in with the NRM's summer performances of York Theatre Royal's The Railway Children, there will also be free fun with an Edwardian theme including the chance to ‘put yourself in the picture' and dress up in costumes from the era. Children will also have the opportunity to make their own Railway Children model set and there will be the chance to win afternoon tea with the cast of the theatrical tour de force with a special Railway Children trail around the Museum.

Families will also be able to enjoy the great outdoors with a traditional fairground, an extended picnic area, a seasonal BBQ and giant games such as Connect 4 and Jenga.

Annie Devitt, Head of Learning at the NRM said:

"We are really excited about the fantastic activities for all the family this summer, from a close encounter with a movie star during our ‘Steam Sundays,' to lively science shows and interactive storytelling in our new Learning Platform. Come and make your own model railway and then learn about great locomotives through our interesting tours and cab access. With a rich variety of both indoor and outdoor activities to choose from, there's plenty to go ‘potty' about at the National Railway Museum this summer!"

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