TRAIN operating company Great Western Railway (GWR) has come to the rescue of Lapstock, the annual mid-Devon music festival by agreeing to stop trains at Lapford Railway Station for the duration of the highly popular event.

The agreement is a boost for festival organisers as access to Lapstock would have otherwise been restricted for those in the North of the county due to a prolonged closure of the A377 at Eggesford.

Festival Director, Steve Keable said: “Lapford Railway Station is on the beautiful Tarka Line from Barnstaple to Exeter and is only a couple of hundred yards from Lapford Mill where Lapstock takes place.

“In normal circumstances, trains only stop on request at the station so we are extremely grateful to GWR for this gesture as it will help hundreds of festival-goers from the Barnstaple area to get easy access to and from our event.

“It will also encourage those from the South of the county to use the train to get to the festival site and enjoy our tremendous programme of entertainment and local beers and ciders.”

Lapstock is now in its 12th year and will feature more than 30 bands on three stages over two days.

Located at Lapford’s historic Mill on the River Yeo, the family oriented not-for-profit festival boasts both top-rate professional bands and performers as well as a range of activities for all to enjoy including drumming and didgeridoo workshops, children’s storytelling, yoga, sculpture, jewellery making, a forest school and street food.

GWR Station Manager for Mid Devon, Melanie Harvey, said: “We work hard to support the communities we serve and are delighted to be able to help by arranging for our trains to stop at Lapford for the duration of the event.

“We are very aware of the popularity of Lapstock, and the potential impact of the road closure could have on access to it.”

Lapstock: Music at the Mill, supports Devon Air Ambulance and takes place during the weekend of July 27 and 28.

Tickets (£20 in advance, £25 on the gate, concessions for U18s) are available by visiting the website: www.lapstock.org.uk and there is limited on-site camping.