THOUSANDS of people got on board with two family rail events over the weekend.

Blunsdon at War was held at Swindon and Cricklade Railway, while the Steam Museum hosted Swindon Railway Festival.

Swindon and Cricklade Railway, based in Tadpole Lane, welcomed military vehicles and Second World War re-enactors on Saturday and Sunday, with many visitors sporting their best vintage outfits, giving the railway a feel of the 1940s.

Brian Pound, chairman of the attraction, said: “It has gone really well.

“We’ve seen a lot of people get into the mood of the occasion and it has been great to see how much effort has gone into some of the outfits.

“We’ve had soldiers, teachers and even a couple of spivs. We’ve been holding this event for about 10 years or so and we enjoy being able to welcome big crowds.”

Some of the event’s highlights included fun fair rides, a tombola and clothes stalls.

Wessex Historic Household set up their own Brit Street, showing youngsters some of the toys 1940s children played with.

Roger Kennison, from the group, said: “Children today play with laptops and phones, so it is nice to be here and show them some old games like ludo and snakes and ladders as well as letting them play with teddy bears and toy trains.

“The event itself is a great day out and it has been fantastic to see the weather improve as we’ve gone along.”

Meanwhile, at the Steam Museum, model train enthusiasts could enjoy the fine details of the layouts on display as part of the Swindon Railway Festival.

Visitors to the two-day event, could see some of the tracks being made, listen to talks and meet celebrity train fanatic Pete Waterman.

“There has been a real buzz around the museum and the numbers through the door have been exceptional,” said Ian Surtees, the centre’s income generation manager.

“It’s great to see so many families and enthusiasts enjoying the wide variety of model railways on display this weekend and highlights the vital role Steam plays in, not only promoting Swindon’s railway heritage, but the nation’s.

“The festival is now in its thirteenth year and just gets bigger and bigger.

"It’s brilliant to have Steam’s patron Pete Waterman back in the museum talking to our visitors.”