Thousands attend Keighley and Worth Valley Railway steam gala
More than 4,000 people attended the Keighley and Worth Valley Railway's annual steam gala recently.
The event, which took place from March 20 to March 23, featured a dozen steam locomotives in action and attracted steam enthusiasts and visitors from across the region to the five-mile branch line.
More than 120 volunteers supported the event on each day of its operation.
A dozen steam locomotives were in action across the four days of the gala (Image: Tom Marshall)
Noel Hartley, the railway's operating and business manager, said: "I am very proud of what has been achieved, particularly how we can create a journey back in time where, as a customer, you are completely immersed in a world that just doesn't exist anymore in everyday life.
"To continue to bring this world to life is really important to give some balance to what's on offer in the leisure and tourism industry, but also to provide opportunities for people to be involved in or experience how railways changed the world 200 years ago."
Oakworth Station, known for its role in 'The Railway Children,' was a hub of activity during the gala (Image: Tom Marshall)
The gala featured a lineup of historic locomotives, including the Class 8F freight locomotive No 48305 and the Class 3F 'Jinty' shunter No 16440, both restored by the Great Central Railway in Loughborough.
Industrial locomotives such as Sentinel No 7832 'Ann' and Avonside locomotive 'Dora' also participated, with 'Dora' making a notable return to K&WVR after her brief stay in the 1960s.
Oakworth Station, known for its role in 'The Railway Children,' was a hub of activity, offering wood-fired pizza and showcasing the operation of the historic level crossing gates.
Passengers enjoyed on-train bars serving hand-pulled real ale.
At Haworth yard, visitors were able to watch locomotive preparations and shunting operations, while freight demonstrations added to the event's appeal, offering photo opportunities for enthusiasts.
At Haworth yard, visitors were able to watch locomotive preparations and shunting operations (Image: Tom Marshall)
Forthcoming special events include the 'Easter Express' trains and the Diesel Gala in June.
For full details on upcoming events and bookings, please visit kwvr.co.uk or call 01535 645214.
The Keighley and Worth Valley Railway is a preserved standard gauge line which joins the national railway network at Keighley and runs five miles up the valleys of the River Worth and Bridgehouse Beck to Oxenhope.
The Keighley and Worth Valley Railway Preservation Society was formed upon the closure of the line by British Railways in 1962, and it reopened the branch line from Keighley to Oxenhope in June 1968 - just weeks before steam finally ended on British Railways in August of the same year.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Buzz Feed
5 days ago
- Buzz Feed
33 Little Products That Will Add Some Big Summer Relief
A coconut-scented, ridiculously cooling after-sun body lotion to rehydrate and replenish your skin after long days in the sun or soaking up the drying chlorine of the pool. The whipped texture and delightful scent will have you feeling like a whole dessert 😋. A two-in-one nausea relief inhaler designed to work FAST on spontaneous nausea, motion sickness, morning sickness, and general queasiness (having a human body is hard). You can either use it as a scent inhaler or rub it directly on the tip of your nose for relief. Summer road trips and cruises just got a HECK of a lot more bearable. A set of DEET-free handy mosquito-repelling bracelets for the ultimate in genius summer investments — these use essential oils, including citronella, to help stop those teensy vampires in their tracks. And if it's entirely too late for that, a delightful little tool called the "Bug Bite Thing" — it suctions on all kinds of bug bites to reduce swelling, itchiness, and redness, so you don't spend half your summer itching your appendages. A travel-friendly SPF 50 Airy Sunstick Smoothing Bar, a K-beauty staple with a curved balm stick style that makes it super easy to apply, and a nonsticky, white cast–free formula that plays ABSURDLY well with makeup. If you're looking for a lightweight "soft matte" sunscreen to protect your skin, this is your new BFF. And Hawaiian Tropic's SPF 30 Mineral Powder Sunscreen Brush, aka your scalp's BFF this summer — reviewers don't just swear by this for face coverage and a protective setting powder, but for protecting their hairline without their hair getting goopy from sunscreen scalp sprays or regular sunscreen lotion. Bonus — this is a heck of a lot cheaper than its competitors, like the $35 Supergoop and $36 Brush On Block! And if it's a little too late ... a handy as heck Burt's Bees sunburn soother you'll want to stock up on before you need it most! It's made with aloe and coconut oil to hydrate skin and gently relieve pain from the sun's unforgiving rays within just a few hours. First Aid Beauty Ingrown Hair Pads to use after you shave to help prevent the infection of ingrown hairs, so you don't have to spend hours psyching yourself up to shave, knowing that you're gonna be dodging a bazillion sensitive spots on your skin. A delightfully affordable instant foot peeling spray for anyone ready to go full YEEHAW!! on a pedicure, without the big salon price tag. This not only helps gently remove dead skin, but moisturizes dry and cracked heels, so you'll really get some refreshing bang for your buck. A set of reviewer-beloved "Loops Engage 2," a meticulously designed ear plug that blocks out overwhelming noise without completely blocking out the world around you — meaning you can wear them to summer concerts, festivals, and other noisy outdoor events and still enjoy them without your brain rattling. Biofreeze's new Dry Stick for "portable pain relief" that won't melt or get goopy in the summer heat — this mess-free, cooling solution for aches and pains all over your human body, whether it's your neck, shoulders, knees, hands, or many numerous joints. Its targeted menthol relief also works *fast* and is delightfully travel-friendly, unlike competing menthol creams. Olay Super Serum Body Wash that will make anyone with dry summer skin REJOICE — this is packed with niacinamide, shea butter, and collagen peptides for 24-hour hydration that will make you feel as ~luminous~ as the sunshine. (Psst — this is the body wash version of their TikTok-famous, super effective facial Super Serum, so you KNOW they mean business.) And Olay's Firming Body Lotion full of collagen peptides and a Vitamin B3 complex for *ultra* hydrating relief that's also designed to visibly plump, firm, and moisturize your skin — all at a fraction of the price of other firming lotions, like the internet's beloved $48 Elasti-Cream. A pair of lightweight, entirely waterproof cloud pillow sandals for anyone whose feet are pretty little princesses who need to be pampered at all times. These are near weightless, but have a cushioned, thick sole that absorbs impact on hard floors and surfaces. Reviewers with arthritis and plantar fasciitis also swear by these for alleviating foot pain! A pack of unscented SweatBlock wipes that work for up to *seven days* after application — perfect for those of us whose underarms are a little, uh, enthusiastic, to say the least. Reviewers especially swear by this for events that might bring on nervous sweating! A set of popular, ridiculously affordable wickaway sweatbands for a quick fix to stop the sweat from stinging your eyes (or worse, from leaking sunscreen into your eyes). A pair of sweatproof "floating" air conduction headphones designed to stay put by settling just over your ear instead of inside it — basically all the convenience and privacy of earbuds, without the discomfort of physically putting them in your ears. It picks up calls just as well as any other pair, and is designed so the sound isn't audible to anyone else! A reusable, family-friendly sand eraser to *instantly* remove sand from your skin with a quick swipe so you don't feel like an itchy mermonster in the car all the way home. A deliciously soothing, super gentle Briotech spray reviewers compare to the pricier Tower 28 SOS Spray. It's similarly designed with hypochlorous acid, which targets bacteria that causes acne, skin irritation, and blemishes *without* drying your skin. Reviewers swear by this handy little spray for helping not just with acne, but rosacea, eczema, dryness, dermatitis (scalp included!), and even toenail fungus. A truly talented cooling towel you can use to prevent yourself from overheating — all you have to do is wet this to make it deliciously chilly for your neck or head. Once it warms up, you can wet it again to instantly get back the chill! A set of satin pillowcases that not only have a cooling effect, but are soft on your skin and create less friction for your hair so it won't get as tangled while you sleep. Reviewers especially love these because they're an affordable alternative to ones that typically run $18 per case! A cute lil' insect catcher you can set in a plant or near your fruit bowl or compost to deal with any unwanted fluttering guests. These odorless sticky traps are designed to work indoors and outdoors and will stop fruit flies, gnats, mosquitoes, and more — without the high price tag of the electronic or liquid versions. A super lightweight, UPF protective travel umbrella for anyone who wants a durable, no frills option for rain and sun protection that they're not going to cry about if they forget it in a random Starbucks (don't look at meeeee). A whisper-quiet WiFi-enabled smart air circulator fan you can control via app, Google Home, Alexa, or remote to keep yourself feeling easy breezy all summer long. Just ask the cast members of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, which is how this luxe little gizmo got on some happy reviewers' radars! And a 360-degree portable neck fan that puts all the other versions of it to shame — this one is designed with a comfier nonslip silicone neck grip and bladeless fans, so you don't have to worry about your hair getting caught in them. Plus a six-pack of ultra quiet mini cell phone fans so the whole squad can comfortably cool off when you're spending long days in stadiums, festivals, or just at that one dive bar you all love that seems to be allergic to the words "air conditioning." A fully adjustable portable backyard mister that coils itself like a lil' snake so you can aim it wherever you please, whether you're wrapping it around a railing, a chair, or propping it up next to yourself on a blanket. It may be teensy, but it will cool the area off by 20 degrees! This is the only pet snake situation I will be endorsing this summer, thank you very much. A pair of popular quick-dry water shoes to keep your feet from burning or getting beaten up all summer — reviewers love these for everything from walking on rockier beaches to kayaking to washing their cars. They're flexible and comfy like a sock, but protective against nefarious objects like sharp rocks and stray Legos. A set of seamless, delightfully absorbent cotton and bamboo liners, because even when you can take the heat, sometimes your boobs simply CANNOT. Now they can sweat in peace without you worrying about sweat stains on your favorite blouse. A 360-degree rotatable electric car fan for the backseat that's handy whether or not your car has a functional AC — if you live in an area where your car scorches in the summer, you know full well that you'll take ANY KIND OF AIR YOU CAN GET. Parents especially swear by this to keep kiddos in rear-facing car seats cool! A set of cult-favorite, absurdly affordable moisture-wicking exercise socks to spare you both from blisters and the ridiculous price of socks from name brands. Plus a pack of Dr. Frederick's Original Better Blister Bandages, aka the blister whisperers — if you're someone who tends to get blisters when your feet sweat, you'll want to invest in these. These waterproof bandages don't just protect blisters, but are designed to actively help heal them (and significantly reduce the pain from friction!). And last but certainly not least — a teensy undetectable laptop mouse jiggler you can slide into the USB to keep your computer active on Teams, Slack, and all those other various technological overlords that keep track of you so you can take some moments to yourself in the sunshine when you need it. ☀️😎
Time Business News
01-06-2025
- Time Business News
Why South Korea Should Be Your Next Travel Destination in Asia
Planning a trip to Asia can be exciting but also confusing. There are many countries to choose from—Japan, Thailand, Vietnam, and more. But have you ever thought about South Korea? Many travelers skip it because they believe it's just about K-pop or high-tech cities. But South Korea is much more than that. This country offers a mix of old traditions and modern life. You can explore ancient palaces in the morning, enjoy street food in the afternoon, and watch a K-drama filming location in the evening. It's safe, clean, and easy to get around—even if you don't speak Korean. When people think about traveling to Asia, they usually get stuck choosing between big names like Japan, Thailand, or Vietnam. With so many countries offering beaches, temples, and street food, it's easy to overlook one that's just as exciting— South Korea . Many travelers skip Korea because it's all city life, K-pop concerts, or too expensive. Some don't know what to expect. Others think they need to speak Korean to enjoy the trip. As a result, South Korea often ends up lower on the 'Asia travel' list—even though it shouldn't be. Not considering South Korea might be missing one of Asia's most balanced travel spots. It's got modern cities, historic villages, mountains, beaches, and famous food—all packed into a country about the size of Indiana. It's also safe, clean, and has one of the best transport systems in the world. A report from the Korea Tourism Organization (KTO) in 2023 showed that over 17.5 million visitors came to South Korea that year. The numbers grew sharply after borders reopened following COVID-19, especially among solo travelers and digital nomads. The same study showed that visitors most enjoyed: Street food markets like Gwangjang in Seoul like Gwangjang in Seoul Historical palaces and temples Public transportation ease (over 70% use buses or subways daily) (over 70% use buses or subways daily) Korean pop culture experiences, from K-dramas to music tours Here are real, practical reasons why South Korea should be your next stop in Asia: 1. Easy to Get Around You don't need to rent a car or speak Korean to move around. South Korea's public transport system ranks among the top 5 worldwide. The KTX (high-speed trains) connect major cities like Seoul, Busan, and Daejeon. Subways are color-coded and have signs in English, Chinese, and Japanese. ✅ T-money card works across buses, subways, and even some taxis. ✅ Subway rides in Seoul cost about KRW 1,400 (just over $1). ✅ Trains are punctual, clean, and safe even at night. South Korea ranks high in safety. The Global Peace Index has listed Korea as safer than many Western countries, especially for solo and female travelers. In Seoul, you can visit a 1,400-year-old palace in the morning and then explore a virtual reality café in the afternoon. There's a real connection between tradition and modern life here. Korean food is delicious, affordable, and easy to find. Most meals at local restaurants cost between KRW 6,000 and 9,000 ($4.50 and $7). You can get bibimbap, bulgogi, or jjigae (Korean stew) served with free side dishes called banchan . Don't miss: Gwangjang Market (Seoul) – try mung bean pancakes and spicy rice cakes – try mung bean pancakes and spicy rice cakes Jagalchi Market (Busan) – fresh seafood at outdoor tables – fresh seafood at outdoor tables Jeonju – known for its bibimbap and food alleys If you like K-pop, K-dramas, Korean skincare, or even martial arts like taekwondo, you'll find places that let you see it up close. Fans can visit filming spots, K-pop dance classes, and themed cafés. Even big cities are never far from hiking trails, beaches, or temples. Within one hour of Seoul, you can reach: Bukhansan National Park for mountain hikes for mountain hikes Namhansanseong Fortress for forest walks and history for forest walks and history Incheon's Eurwangni Beach for a quick seaside day Further out, you can enjoy: Seoraksan National Park (3 hours from Seoul): stunning in autumn (3 hours from Seoul): stunning in autumn Jeju Island: Korea's volcano island with lava tubes, waterfalls, and beaches No matter when you visit, something is going on—from cherry blossom festivals in spring to lantern and mud festivals in summer and fall. ✅ Example: Jinju Lantern Festival lights up an entire riverbank in October ✅ Example: Boryeong Mud Festival brings thousands together in July for games and fun on the beach ✅ Example: Gwangju Biennale features international art every two years South Korea is the answer if you're planning your next trip to Asia and want something safe, rich in culture, affordable, and easy to explore. Whether walking through royal palaces, eating hot tteokbokki at a street stall, hiking in national parks, or joining a K-pop fan tour, Korea lets you mix and match your trip to fit your style. You don't need to speak Korean or have a luxury budget. All you need is a curiosity to experience real places, meet kind people, and enjoy a country where everything, from food to festivals, is built to welcome travelers. So skip the confusion. South Korea should be your next Asian stop—it might be your favorite yet. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Yahoo
30-05-2025
- Yahoo
New president, new hopes for calm at South Korean village near DMZ
Their village is just a stone's throw from North Korea. So whatever their political leanings, Tongilchon residents all want one thing: a South Korean president who doesn't stoke tensions with Pyongyang. About 60 kilometres (37 miles) north of Seoul, Tongilchon -- the name translates to "unification village" -- is one of a handful of settlements set up by the South Korean government in the 1970s. The plan was for the villages to help the border areas recover from the devastation of the 1950-1953 Korean War, with the land allocated to former soldiers and people originally from the area but displaced by fighting. Most residents are old. They have lived through the war, presidents from the hard-right military rulers of the 1970s-1980s and the dovish left-wing pro-engagement leaders of the 1990s-2000s. When AFP visited the village of about 450 people days before South Korea was set to vote on June 3 for a new leader to replace disgraced ex-president Yoon Suk Yeol, the focus was on one thing. "We live very close to the North, so we just hope relations improve and there's no war," 87-year-old Kwon Yeong-han told AFP. The election could upend Seoul's policy towards the nuclear-armed North. The frontrunner, the Democratic Party's Lee Jae-myung, is likely to take a much more conciliatory tone towards Pyongyang than hardliner Yoon. - 'Ghost sounds' - From the square in front of the polling station, a giant North Korean flag atop a 160-metre-high (520-foot) pole on the other side of the border is clearly visible. When tensions between the two Koreas rise -- as they did under Yoon -- life for Tongilchon residents gets significantly more difficult. Under Yoon, activists in the South once again started floating balloons carrying propaganda, dollar bills and USB sticks of K-pop and K-drama into the North. It infuriated Pyongyang and triggered a tit-for-tat exchange, where the North floated balloons carrying trash southwards. As ties deteriorated, both sides switched on the loudspeakers along the border. Residents of Tongilchon now have to listen to terrifying sounds worthy of a horror movie soundtrack -- screams and moans, which Pyongyang broadcasts at any time of day or night. "It's just noise, like ghost sounds," village chief Lee Wan-bae, 73, told AFP. "It keeps us awake, it makes working in the fields difficult." South Korea blasts K-pop and news bulletins into the North in response, but the loudspeaker noise from Pyongyang is so disturbing that border residents have pleaded with parliament to make it stop. Tongilchon is located in the Civilian Control Zone (CCZ), a restricted area next to the more famous Demilitarised Zone (DMZ) which separates the two Koreas. The countries remain technically at war because the conflict ended with a truce and not a peace treaty. At the elementary school, which is flanked by air raid sirens, only six of the students live in the CCZ, the rest are bussed in daily. "We make a lot of efforts to keep the school going, such as offering programmes that others don't have and free extracurricular activities after school and during vacations," said vice-principal Jong Jae-hwa. When the CCZ is sealed off due to North Korean military activity and the school bus suspended, it falls to the teachers to drive children home. Rising tensions also hit tourism, which is a key source of revenue for the village. It sells its agricultural products as "DMZ rice" or "DMZ ginseng". "Life is hard here. No matter who is elected president, what we just want is to live peacefully," said the village chief Lee. - 'Very suspicious' - Long-term resident Min Tae-seung, 85, said that life in Tongilchon is already much easier than it used to be. "In the first few years after we moved here there were military threats and North Korean infiltration," he said. He's planning to vote for the conservative party's Kim Moon-soo, the candidate of Yoon's ex-party and a hardliner against Pyongyang. According to Min, South Korea's "progressives are too lenient toward North Korea". "The conservative camp does not take North Korea lightly -- they remain very suspicious." But whoever the next president is, he said: "I don't think inter-Korean relations will improve quickly. "Of course it would be ideal to reconcile and move freely, but that seems a long way off." His 45-year-old daughter has a different view. "Living here, the desire for reunification has naturally become a central concern for me," she said. "Even if reunification is not possible, I really hope we could see travel between the two countries. I would love for my parents to see that day come." roc/ceb/oho/pst
