Event: Tex’s 70th Birthday Celebration in Station Hall
Date: 29/08/26
Venue: Station Hall
Number of guests: 100
How did you hear about our venue?
I’ve lived in York or nearby for the last 30 years. I have been visiting the Railway Museum regularly over that period.
I’m a member of the Science Museum Group’s Finance and Business Committee, so was aware through that Committee’s work about the refurbishment of Station Hall.
Why did you choose the National Railway Museum for your event?
My wife and I attended the reopening of Station Hall in 2025 and saw at first hand what a great venue for a party it was. My 70th birthday was coming up in 2026………….
Please describe the brief of the event, when did it take place? Who was the event for? How many people? What were the core goals and objectives?
It was my 70th birthday party, held on Saturday, 29th August 2026, attended by 100 guests. The objective was to have a fine old time, with great food, drink, music and entertainment!
Which space at the museum did you use as part of the event and how did it enhance the experience for your guests?
We hired Station Hall in its entirety. The drinks reception at the beginning of the event was held by the East side entrance and the dinner tables were set out on the opposite side of the Hall. We hired a close-up magician to entertain guests both at the drinks reception and at the dinner tables. I made a short speech between the mains and dessert courses, and the band played from the end of the meal to the end of the event, with plenty of dancing space available.
Were there any added extras you were able to include as part of the event due to holding it at the National Railway Museum ?
There was more than sufficient room to have all of our planned activities – drinks reception, 3 course dinner, magician, speeches, band and dancing………….
Guests really appreciated the huge space and many of them wandered around the carriages and admired the building at different times during the evening.
Did you opt for any bespoke catering packages, such as themed canapes or arrival drinks, (RA Venues) or external AV production for your event?
We had arrival drinks, a 3 course dinner and a bar. The precise requirements were all arranged in a couple of meetings we held with Sophie Kirkwood, who managed the event very well in all aspects. She was great at communicating quickly and effectively in the run up to the evening, responded unfussily and helpfully to requests and questions, and dealt very well with the band and the entertainers.
How did the setting of the National Railway Museum contribute to the overall feel and purpose of the event?
Brilliantly! The setting is unique and can be tailored easily to host any party.
What feedback did you receive from the guests?
The feedback has been unanimously glowing!
Here are some extracts from the messages we’ve received:
“What a great party! Thank you so much for a thoroughly enjoyable evening on Saturday. We loved every moment of it. It was a splendid location, a delicious meal with great table companions, a superb band, and also a very fine speech: altogether a very special event.”
“What a do….. amazing venue, amazing band, lovely people and a really good dinner. Thank you for putting on such a memorable event and for asking us – very special indeed.”
“Thank you both for such a wonderful evening on Saturday, we were so pleased to be included in such a special occasion. The company, meal and music were brilliant……..”
“Thanks very much for inviting us to share your celebration on Saturday. Great venue and naturally a great speech as always.”
