Steam-powered toys, boats and trains will take centre stage at Leicester’s Abbey Pumping Station later this month as the popular Steam Toys in Action event returns.
Taking place on Sunday 22 February, the event promises a nostalgic day out for visitors of all ages, with a wide range of steam-powered toys and vintage vehicles on display. Among the highlights will be historic fire engines, vintage buses, a milk float and an old electric bread van. Visitors will also have the opportunity to see the pumping station’s impressive beam engine in full steam.
Picture credit: Leicester City Council
Rides on the steam-powered narrow-gauge railway will be available for a small charge of 50p, while the Forget Me Not mini railway – built and maintained by volunteers from the Leicester Museums Technology Association – will be running throughout the day.
Refreshments will be available from the pumping station’s café, and a vintage coal-fired chip van will be serving freshly fried chips.
Steam Toys in Action runs from 12 noon until 4.30pm. Advance tickets are available online at a reduced rate of £6 for adults, £2 for children, and £5 for students and those aged 60 and over. Entry is free for children under five. A family ticket for two adults and two children costs £15 when purchased in advance.
Tickets bought on the door are priced at £7 for adults, £3 for children, £6 for concessions and £18 for a family ticket.
Further information about the event is available at leicestermuseums.org/whats-on or by calling Abbey Pumping Station on 0116 299 5111.
The following week, on Saturday 28 February, visitors with an interest in Victorian engineering or the history of the pumping station can take part in a behind-the-scenes tour.
The Steam with the Team guided tour will give participants access to areas not normally open to the public, including the basement beneath the working engines. The hour-long tours are not suitable for children under 10, and attendees are advised to wear appropriate clothing and footwear for a working engine room.
Advance tickets cost £9 for adults and £8 for concessions when booked online. On-the-day tickets are priced at £10 for adults and £9 for concessions. More information can be found at leicestermuseums.org/whats-on.
