Lappa Valley Welcomes “City of Truro” Locomotive in Grand Ceremony

Photo: The new locomotive, driven by Operations Manager Ben Harding emerges from the tunnel after the name reveal.

In an event marked by excitement and community spirit, Lappa Valley, the cherished Cornish railway and leisure park, unveiled its latest addition, a brand new locomotive named “City of Truro”. The ceremony, held near St Newlyn East, attracted hundreds of enthusiasts and well-wishers eager to witness the historic moment as Lappa Valley embarks on its 50th year of operation.

The naming of the “City of Truro” was the culmination of a widespread appeal that saw thousands of name suggestions from the public. The honour of choosing the winning name went to three siblings, Henry, Edward, and Poppy, who unveiled the locomotive as it made a dramatic entrance, emerging from the railway’s new tunnel, to the delight of the assembled crowd.

Photo: Owners Sara and Keith Southwell, with Operations Manager Ben Harding (R) in the new locomotive.

Canon Chris McQuillen-Wright from the Benefice of Towan Blystra blessed the new diesel locomotive, emphasising the community’s support and blessings for the new journey ahead. Keith Southwell, owner of Lappa Valley, expressed his pride in the locomotive’s name, which reflects the attraction’s Cornish heritage and dedication to celebrating the local culture.

Built by Alan Keef Limited, the “City of Truro” locomotive is designed with accessibility in mind, featuring low floor access to accommodate more wheelchair users and equipped with an economical diesel engine to reduce emissions. The train, which also includes five passenger carriages and a buggy wagon, signifies Lappa Valley’s commitment to sustainability and accessibility.

Photo: The children who chose the name of the new train, with father Nigel.

The unveiling event not only celebrated the addition of the new locomotive but also highlighted Lappa Valley’s continuous efforts to enhance visitor experience through various projects, including the introduction of a purpose-built cafe, a soft play centre, and an accessible adventure golf course. These efforts were recognised as Lappa Valley was awarded gold in the Cornwall Tourism Awards for the second consecutive year and reached the finals of the South West Tourism Excellence Awards.

As Lappa Valley continues to invest in its offerings, aiming to make the attraction enjoyable for all visitors, the introduction of the “City of Truro” locomotive stands as a testament to its dedication to the diverse tourism industry in Cornwall and its commitment to promoting an inclusive and enjoyable experience for every guest.