What is KNOTTY100?
Knotty100 is a festival to be held in North Staffordshire during 2023 to commemorate 100 years since our local railway company the North Staffordshire Railway or “Knotty” was absorbed into the greater railway network on 1st July 1923. Not only does the festival commemorate the old “Knotty” but celebrates all aspects of North Staffordshire’s railway heritage. Local heritage railways are involved (led by the Foxfield Railway, Blythe Bridge) and we are working with a number of other groups and organisations including the Brampton Museum, Staffordshire Film Archive, NSCG College Group, etc.
KNOTTY100 Event at FOXFIELD RAILWAY 14th, 15th, 16th July 2023
There will be three full days dedicated to the celebration of Knotty100 at Foxfield Railway. Events (in addition to our regular Buffet, Bar, Shop, Museum and Miniature Railway) will include:
- The inaugural running of Foxfield’s four-coach Victorian Heritage Train with fully restored vehicles dating from 1875-1885. This set is quite possibly the oldest standard gauge rake of carriages running in the United Kingdom. The set includes:
- The introduction into service of “The Chairman’s Saloon” a premium first class service based on our restored Midland Railway Family Saloon of 1875 running in public service for the first time in 75 years.
- Four locomotivess in Steam.
- Official entry into service of Bagnall 0-4-0ST Hawarden after 15-year total rebuild.
- Demonstration Period Goods Train.
- Opening of Brian Allen Memorial Garden Railway.
- Book signing “North Staffordshire Railway” by author Anthony Dawson.
- Children’s Activity Coach.
- Bar, BBQ and Band Saturday evening 15th July
- Launch of Foxfield’s own branded beer – “Knotty100” in our newly refurbished bar.