The Mumbles Railway Festival, held on Saturday 22nd March at Blackpill in Swansea, brought together local people, community groups, and heritage enthusiasts to mark an important milestone in the city’s history. Organised by the South West Wales Connected Community Rail Partnership, the event was part of the nationwide Railway 200 celebrations – recognising 200 years since the advent of passenger railways in the UK.
The Swansea and Mumbles Railway, which first carried fare-paying passengers in 1807, is widely acknowledged as the world’s first passenger railway. The festival aimed to celebrate this local legacy, while also encouraging conversations about the past, present, and future of public transport and sustainable travel.
Thanks to everyone who helped to make this event happen!
A Day of Community and Heritage
Under unexpectedly sunny skies, the event featured a range of activities that engaged people of all ages:
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The Land Train provided rides along the promenade, helping to bring the spirit of the old railway back to life.
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Wheelrights, a local cycling group, led a community bike ride to celebrate sustainable transport options and the repurposing of old rail routes.
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The Swansea Bus Museum exhibited a selection of vintage buses, connecting different eras of local transport history.
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The City of Swansea Concert Band performed live throughout the day, adding to the welcoming and festive atmosphere.
There were also displays and talks exploring the heritage of the Mumbles Railway, with contributions from local historians and community groups. The event was free and family-friendly, and many local organisations played a part in making it a success.
Looking Ahead
Organisers described the event as a pilot for what could become an annual celebration of Swansea’s unique transport history. Eve Sherratt, Community Rail Officer for South West Wales Connected, said the festival was not only a tribute to the city’s pioneering railway, but also an opportunity to bring people together and explore the role of transport in connecting communities.
Dr Louise Moon, one of the national Railway 200 coordinators, said the day highlighted how railway heritage continues to shape local identity and inspire new ideas for travel and connection.
With such positive feedback and a strong turnout, there is growing interest in developing this into a regular event – honouring Swansea’s place in railway history while looking to the future of sustainable, community-led transport.