Hastings and Bexhill Mencap’s Active Arts are inspired by E Nesbit’s The Railway Children to make a model of St Leonards Warrior Square Station as it was.

The station opened in 1851 when the Bo Peep tunnel was completed bringing passengers from London to St Leonards-on-Sea to alight at the top of Kings Road. The station had several names in the early years and didn’t become known as St Leonards Warrior Square until over 20 years after it was built.

Active Arts explore the pubs around the station that served passengers and staff. The Platform Panels Project at the station offers more insights into St Leonards-on-Sea’s rail heritage.

The Active Arts community include individuals passionate about trains and Lionel Jeffries’ 1970s film, The Railway Children. The festival foregrounds the perspectives of participants who work with this festival partner as a platform that highlights voices overlooked in other literary festivals.

Open weekdays 1-5 & 8-12 April, 11am-4pm.