The last train to Spooksville _{by Madelaine Empson}

This Wellington Heritage Festival, Mainline Steam is running a special series of steam shuttles between Wellington and Plimmerton on the 31^st of October, the scariest day of the year. Dress up the family and enjoy trick-or-treats, a best-dressed contest, and open-air viewing platforms aboard a genuine heritage steam train across three trips: 12:15pm for younger kids, the 2:15pm afternoon coastal loop, and the 5:45pm twilight sunset express.

Mainline Steam Heritage Trust general manager Grant Bradley says it’s not often you get to see a steam locomotive departing directly from the capital’s main station.

“We’re really pleased to be able to bring steam back into the heart of Wellington and give families the chance to experience something a little different this Halloween. Being part of the Wellington Heritage Festival is also a great opportunity to celebrate our railway heritage and share it with a new generation, while showing that heritage can be fun, engaging, and enjoyed by everyone.”

Running from the 24^th of October till the 15^th of November and always held at this time of year, Wellington Heritage Festival offers more Halloween-coded events than you can shake a (broom)stick at. CE and festival director Alex Hockley says the team loves to see the creative, fun, and engaging ways people mix the two.

“Heritage spaces are usually welcoming, but there’s plenty of space for spookiness. Old buildings can feel calming in the day but eerie in the dark, and many have their own ghost stories! Cemeteries are also full of people’s stories, offering insights into their lives and our region’s past, but they are also perfect spots for a good, scary adventure.”

“We’re deeply excited to have Mainline Steam operate a train this year with the Halloween theme.”