Island's most famous train celebrates 80th birthday

Monday, 19 May 2025 08:25

A series of special events this year will celebrate the Island's most famous fictional train.

Thomas the Tank Engine is celebrating its 80th anniversary this year - it was created by Wilbert Awdry with his son Christopher in 1945.

Awdry decided to set the series on the fictional island of Sodor in the Irish Sea after visiting the Isle of Man - and the film Thomas and the Magic Railroad was shot partly on the Island in 2000.

A huge festival celebrating the author and his work will be held between July 18 and 20 in Tywyn in North Wales.

More from Isle of Man News

Isle of Man is Peter Andre's Flava of the week!

Peter Andre has lavished praise on the Isle of Man after visiting for the Fury wedding at the weekend.
Evri preparing to pull out of Isle of Man?

A UK website claims courier firm Evri is preparing to pull out of the Isle of Man.
Get involved in Island's first BJ Week!

The Isle of Man is taking part in Better Journeys Week this week.
Can you help find stolen car?

Police are renewing appeals for help finding a stolen car.
Five green lanes to close for TT

Five Island green lanes will be shut for the TT festival this year.
Burst water main means traffic lights on TT course in Kirk Michael

There'll be temporary traffic lights on the TT course tomorrow as workers tackle a water main problem.
Organisers call off Onchan pride event expected to attract 1,500 visitors

A huge pride event in Onchan won't go ahead this year.
DEFA deletes "downright offensive" two-headed chicken logo

The Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture says it's deleted a logo described in a Freedom of Information request as "dreadful", "downright offensive" and "simply slapdash".