The return of the Christmas carol concert train service to Swanage Railway in Dorset has proved to be a popular hit, with Corfe Castle station playing host to a choir, a band and a talented teenager playing the bagpipes.
The two special steam evening trains ran on Thursday 11th and Thursday 18th December 2025 from Swanage station, with passengers alighting at Corfe Castle station for the carol concert in the station’s restored Victorian goods shed, which now houses the Swanage Railway museum.
The spirit of Christmas permeated Corfe Castle station
Mince pies and mulled wine
At Corfe Castle, the train passengers also had the opportunity to enjoy mince pies and mulled wine to add to the festive atmosphere.
The Carol Train Singers choir conducted by musical director Angus Murray-Brown from Swanage, was specially formed for the carol concerts with its members being drawn from the Harmony Rocks choir based at Harman’s Cross village hall.
There was music from the Tuxedo Brass Quartet, and teenager Freddie Sills who played the Scottish bagpipes in classic Highland dress.
Living near Wareham, 18 year old Freddie Sills is a former member of the Swanage Railway’s Sygnets youth group who has been playing the bagpipes for eight years.
Freddie played classic Scottish marches and ballads to welcome the steam locomotive Manston as it arrived at Corfe Castle station, and also as the steam train departed Corfe Castle, returning to Swanage.
18 year old Freddie Sills played the bagpies
Steam locomotive Manston was welcomed to Corfe Castle station
“Shared moments of joy”
Swanage Railway chief executive officer Abbie King said:
“Seeing the carol trains return has been truly special. Bringing this much-loved tradition back to the railway has reminded us what the Swanage Railway is really about – bringing people together.
“From Swanage to Harman’s Cross and Corfe Castle, the sound of carols travelling along the line has connected our communities, created shared moments of joy and shown the railway at its very best – warm, welcoming and at the heart of the places we serve.”
Mince pies and mulled wine proved popular
The carol concert was held in the old Corfe Castle goods shed which now houses the Swanage Railway museum
“A wonderful atmosphere”
The Christmas carol concerts were organised by Bob Bunyar and his wife Sue who live in Swanage. A Swanage Railway volunteer for almost 40 years, Bob is part of the team that maintains the heritage line’s station at Harman’s Cross.
Bob Bunyar said:
“Both Christmas carol trains soon sold out and there was a wonderful atmosphere at Corfe Castle station as the passengers joined in with the carol singing.
“The carol trains were great festive fun and a chance for people to enjoy carol singing – a great mix of steam, a train ride, community singing, tasty mince pies and mulled wine plus the evocative Scottish bagpipes.
“As passengers got off the steam train back at Swanage, there were many gratifying comments of thanks, praising what a lovely evening it was, so I think the Christmas concerts went down really well.
“A lot of detailed work has gone on behind the scenes to plan, prepare and stage the two festive concerts at Corfe Castle station and I would like to thank everyone for all their hard work – and for the public supporting the event so wonderfully.
“I would also like to thank Celia Harding, who volunteers at the Corfe Castle station museum in the Victorian goods shed, for her help and for being able to use the museum which was an ideal setting for the carol concerts.
“Planning for the Christmas carol trains started on a very hot day in June when musical director Angus Murray Brown, and his wife Jacqui, met my wife Sue and I in our garden in Swanage to formulate plans for the two festive events.
“The sight, and sound of Freddie Sills playing his Scottish bagpipes as the steam train departed Corfe Castle station after the carol concert was pretty awesome. He’s an excellent piper and certainly added to the atmosphere and poignancy of the evening.”
The Carol Train Singers choir delighted the passengers
The sound of the Tuxedo Brass Quartet added to the traditional festive atmosphere
Further information
- More about Swanage Railway events
