All aboard for a fun-filled family day at Dudley's Very Light Railway - here's everything you need to know

To celebrate 200 years of railway, the Very Light Rail National Innovation Centre will be transformed into a wonderland of family fun this Saturday (May 17) from 10am - 4pm. 

Hosted by the BCIMO, the family day, held in the heart of Dudley on Zoological Drive, will be a celebration of the past, present, and future of the UK’s railways with funfair rides, food stalls, live entertainment and exclusive train rides all day long into the famous Dudley Railway Tunnel.

As part of the nationwide Railway 200 programme, the event will offer mix of innovation, nostalgia, and hands-on fun — all set against the backdrop of BCIMO’s pioneering site which is steeped in 175 years of railway heritage.

Not only is it expected to be an unforgettable day for visitors, but will be helping five charities in the process – all proceeds made on the day will be split between The Kaleidoscope Plus Group, Railway Benefit Fund, 4Louis, Railway Children and Young Lives vs. Cancer.

They are hoping to reach a target of £10,000 through ticket sales, sponsors, stalls, donations, and the raffle that will take place on the day. 

Here are some of the event highlights taking place on the day:

• Official Opening Ceremony - A special welcome by railway icon Pete Waterman OBE, president of the Railway Benefit Fund, will take place on the Presentation Platform. 

• Exclusive Rides on the Coventry Very Light Rail (CVLR) Vehicle - Step aboard the future of urban transport to experience the CVLR prototype in action. 

•  Step Back in Time - Climb inside the last T69 tram ever operated on the Midland Metro — now proudly preserved and reimagined at BCIMO.

• Tram Driver Experience - Ever wondered what it’s like to be behind the controls? Try the photo-realistic driving simulator and try your hand on BCIMO’s test track or the virtual streets of Coventry.

• Family Fun Zone - Enjoy a full day of activities including fairground rides, model railways, face painting, creative crafts, and live children’s shows — something for every member of the family.

How much are tickets? 

Tickets cost £10 for adults (16+), £5 for children aged 5 - 15, and are free for children under five. 

There will also be family tickets on offer:

• Family Ticket 1 (2 adults + 2 children): £25

• Family Ticket 2 (2 adults + 3 children): £30

Tickets can be bought in advance or on the door, subject to availability. To buy your ticket in advance, click here.  

What’s included in the ticket? 

• Coventry Very Light Rail vehicle rides

• Historic T69 tram experience

• Tram driving simulator

• Model railways & creative zones

• All-day access to the innovation centre

• Talks and presentations

• Live shows and family-friendly performances

Where Extra Costs Apply:

• Food and drink from local vendors

• Fairground rides

• Retail and merchandise stalls

For more information, including how to get there, visit the BCIMO Visitor Page.