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In On 23 and 24 December 1973 two days of 'Santa Claus' specials ran with three coaches between Bridgnorth and [[Hampton Loade]], hauled by [[WD 193 Shropshire|'Austerity' 0-6-0ST WD 193]]. The weekend marked the SVR's first [[Christmas services | Santa services]].<ref>SVR News 29,32</ref>
Both oprate These services operate to Highley on a decorated steam train (top and tailed with a diesel), with Santa meeting every family on the train handing out gifts and posing for photographs. Operationally both are top and tailed, the Bridgnorth-originating services with steam and the Kidderminster services steam and diesel.
Details added
The South Devon Railway relates that [[Kitson & Co 5474 'Carnarvon']] carried Santa in 1969. <ref>[http://www.southdevonrailwayassociation.org/Caernarfon.html South Devon Railway website]</ref> There is no record of the event in either SVR News or ''Severn Valley Railway Memories''.<ref>[[Bibliography#Books|Magner (1997)]].</ref> Since the [[Severn Valley Railway Timeline 1970-1979#1970|Light Railway Order]] was only granted in 1970, it could presumably only have been a static event at [[Bridgnorth]], and so it would not have been classed as a 'Santa service'.
On 20 December 1982 Santa arrived at Bewdley by helicopter, before travelling to [[Santa's Grotto|his grotto at Arley]] by train.<ref>SVR News 67</ref>
*Santa Specials from Kidderminster
*Premium Santa Specials from both Kidderminster and [[Bridgnorth]] for the first time in many years, making use of the facilities afforded by the [[Bridgnorth#Bridgnorth_Development_Project|Bridgnorth development project]].
A 'Steam in Lights' evening illuminated steam service operates from Bridgnorth. This does not feature Santa. Carol Trains, Christmas Carvery, Dining Trains, Schools steam services and post-Christmas services continue. The Bridgnorth services are the first in many years, making use of the facilities afforded by the [[Bridgnorth#Bridgnorth_Development_Project|Bridgnorth development project]].
==Passenger numbers==
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| 2018 ||style="text-align:right;" |''36,104'' || Kidderminster to Arley || <ref name=SVRH/> ||
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| 2019 ||style="text-align:right;" |'''' || Bridgnorth and Kidderminster to Highley || ||
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|}
