BALA Lake Railway (BLR) reached the midway point of its COVID-19 fundraising appeal during a successful Virtual Gala held over the weekend.

Donations made during Saturday’s event helped the BLR pass the £12,500 mark of its £25,000 appeal to help keep operations running following the lack of business during the coronavirus lockdown.

Like many other businesses and attractions across Wales, the Railway is facing an uncertain future and needs all the help it can get to stay open.

The Virtual Gala held on Saturday was aimed at showing visitors what Bala Lake Railway has to offer - right from the comfort of people’s own homes.

The day was packed full of video footage with a timetable of more than 20 departures (videos) scheduled throughout the day including; a run down and back up the line, recent galas, archive video footage and photographs.

Guests were also able to support the railway by taking a virtual ‘Driver for a fiver’ ride.

A spokesperson for BLR said: “50 years of hard work and dedication is at risk. With the railway now closed we face an uncertain period with no income. Your support now is most needed to help safeguard the railway for the future and so that your children and grandchildren can continue to enjoy a ride on our steam train for generations to come.”

To donate to Bala Lake Railway’s cause or learn more, go to: https://bala-lake-railway.co.uk/covid-19-donations