(2023)

The Straw Bear Festival returned to the streets of Whittlesey for another year despite the initial rainfall.

A colourful spectacle of folk entertainment and high spirits.

Sir Nigel Gresley was a guest at Nene Valley Railway after having undergone a one million pound overhaul.

Fenland on Film joins the special locomotive at Wansford Station before linking up with her again at Railworld Wildlife Haven, Peterborough.

The film then moves to Railworld itself with a snapshot of the incredible work undertaken by volunteers at this cherished local attraction.

Sir Nigel Gresley (60007) was a special guest on the Nene Valley Railway at Peterborough in April 2023 after the steam locomotive, built in 1937, had undergone a lengthy overhaul between 2015 – 2021 before returning to hauling duties in 2022.

This film captures a glimpse of the SNG-pulled excursion between Wansford and Peterborough (Railworld Wildlife Haven) via Yarwell and was filmed over two days.

It was a creative choice not to include a voiceover or music track but rather to allow the viewer to delight in the wonderful sound of steam locomotion without distractions.

The film begins at St Peter’s Church, Upwell where Wisbech District Bell Ringers were taking part in #RingForTheKing.

We then take in scenes within the proximity of Peterborough Cathedral as His Majesty King Charles III was crowned – the event was screened live inside and outside the cathedral following which a Coronation Day Parade took place.

Fireworks at The Grange Care Home in Littleport followed by some autumnal scenes in the village.

The film begins during the Remembrance Service inside Ely Cathedral and the traditional poppy drop from the Octagon Tower. The ambient light inside was inadequate to properly expose the film but the falling poppies can just about be seen – a creative decision was made to leave this footage in the edit.

The film then moves to join the parade and gathering on Ely Market Square for the remainder of the remembrance ceremony and wreath laying.