This May Half Term (26-30 May) the railway is partnering with TechZone, the UK’s premier gaming company and pioneers of the Ultimate Gaming Party, to launch a world first: the Ultimate Gaming Experience in a full equipped gaming train carriage.
The custom-made installation will be fitted with a full range of the latest console games and driving simulators, including a train driving option.
The Ultimate Gaming Experience is available for only one half of a return journey - either from Tenterden to Bodiam or from Bodiam to Tenterden – so that passengers can also appreciate the pleasure of a heritage train ride through the beautiful Wealden countryside.
The event is aimed at attracting younger visitors who might not have been to a heritage railway before in order to showcase its attractions and the potential for them to become volunteers.
“It's all about finding new ways to attract younger people to visit our railway,” said K&ESR Chairman Derrick Bilsby. “There are so many skills and life lessons that we can offer youngsters as volunteers but if they are not currently train enthusiasts how do we get them here? By getting them on board to enjoy something they want to do in one direction and then soak up the real atmosphere of a heritage train ride for the second half of their journey we hope to win them over and show them what they could be part of.”
‘Gaming on the move’ services will run Monday to Friday during the May half-term week.
Advance booking will be required as spaces are limited. All under 16s must be accompanied by a responsible adult and the carriage will also be managed and supervised by TechZone’s trained personnel.