Leighton Buzzard Railway Father’s Day Whisky Festival on Sunday 17 June between 1100 and 1600 - last orders for pre-sales: 10th April, 2018

The Leighton Buzzard Railway celebrating another first with the hosting of a whisky and spirits festival on Father’s Day, Sunday 17 June between 1100 and 1600. Entry is free with a train ticket, and hourly trains will leave Page’s Park to the festival from 1030 to 1430, returning from 1225 to 1625.

Around 50 whiskies and 20 mixed spirits from around the world will be available, including rare releases such as legendary single-cask releases from historic bottler Berry Bros. & Rudd, holder of two royal warrants, and rare spirits from the 1980s. Organic soft drinks from Karma Cola, pre-bottled cocktails and a hot-food stand will also be present on the day.

The festival will be run by an experienced team of knowledgeable and enthusiastic industry staff, who will be on hand to help answer questions. In addition, hourly masterclasses will be hosted in our museum. All prices include tasting at least three whiskies and a festival tumbler to keep. Tickets for the tastings with glasses will only be available until 20 May and you can also add a gift box for an extra £3. The masterclasses are:

• Breakfast (lighter and sweeter) whiskies, 11.15-11.45, £12

• 1970s and 1980s Scotch, 12.15-12.45, £25

• Long-lost whiskies of the world, 13.15-13.45, £15

• One distillery (Glen Moray), three styles, 14.15-14.45, £12

• Peated whiskies, 15.15-15.45, £12

In addition, pre-orders for festival tumblers will be available online until 20 May priced at only £7.50 unboxed or £10.50 with a gift box. On the day, a limited number of unboxed tumblers will be available for £10, with no gift box option.

The Leighton Buzzard Railway is always keen to support the local community, and the team from Stanbridge-produced Willow Tree Gin will be on hand to sample their gin. When asked to take part, owner Mary Vincent said: ‘It sounds like a great day out. We would love to be involved.’

For those visiting Page’s Park, footplate rides will be available subject to availability on Chaloner, a fortnight before the 1877-built steam loco celebrates the 50th anniversary of hauling passenger trains at the railway.

Festival organizer Rocky Lancer said: ‘We’re always looking for new and exciting events to offer to our customers, and working in the spirits industry, a whisky festival was a natural choice for Father’s Day. Following the discovery of a local gin producer, we added spirits and soft drinks to the line-up to appeal to the whole family – there are lots of mothers who like whisky, too, and plenty of father’s who don’t.’

Further details and to book www.buzzrail.co.uk/static/whiskyfestival.html

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