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Steam Gala - All events
- Sun 13 Sep 2026 Didcot Railway Centre (Steam Gala) More...
- Autumn Steam Gala
11-13 September 2026
Join us for a multi engine event, with tours of some of our normally closed areas
We are pleased to announce that the visiting engine for our annual steam gala this year will be 229, The 'Coffee Pot' on loan from The Flour Mill.
229 is a Great Eastern Railway 0-4-0 tank engine built by Neilsons in Glasgow in 1876 and sold by the GER for use in the National Shipyard in Chepstow during the First World War, where it remained until sold by Fairfield Mabey in 1982. After cosmetic restoration it was on display at the North Woolwich Old Station Museum in East London from 1984 until 2008. Upon the shameful closure of the museum by Newham Council the locomotive was returned to the Flour Mill, where it is planned to start a full overhaul to working order in 2013.
This fabulous little engine is among the oldest steam locomotives in working order - and one of the smallest, weighing just 21 tons.
The name 'Coffee Pot', or 'Flat-Top', is thanks to its unusual flat-shaped water tank and it is Great Eastern Railway '209' class 0-4-0ST no. 229. A truly delightful locomotive, it has been meticulously returned to working order for the first time in nearly 70 years by owner Bill Parker and his team at the Flour Mill workshops in the Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire.
Join us for an exciting weekend and celebrate steam with this multi-engine event. See autotrain operations, freight trains, shunting demonstrations, plus tours of our workshop areas, usually closed to the public. See some of the features of our site in operation, including our signal box, traverser, turntable and coal stage.
This is a great way to travel back in time to the golden age of the Great Western Railway and savour the sights, sounds and smells of steam as you explore this 24-acre living museum with trains dating from Victorian times to the 1960s.
Steam trains will be operating on both demonstration lines, allowing you to take unlimited rides. Check our Locomotive Roster to see what we expect to be running on the date of your visit.
Didcot Railway Centre
- Sun 13 Sep 2026 Swanage Railway (Steam Gala) More...
- Autumn Steam Gala
Friday 11 September to Sunday 13 September 2026
Locomotive Lineup
31806
U Class 31806
Based at the Swanage Railway
34070
Battle of Britain Class 34070 "Manston"
Based at the Swanage Railway
563
LSWR T3 Class 563
Based at the Swanage Railway
60163
A1 Class 60163 "Tornado"
Owned by The A1 Steam Locomotive Trust
First locomotive to reach 100mph since the end of steam on the mainline!
34072
Battle of Britain Class 34072 "257 Squadron"
Based at the Swanage Railway
Swanage Railway
- Sun 13 Sep 2026 Leighton Buzzard Railway (Steam Gala) More...
- Sun 13 Sep 2026 Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railways (Steam Gala) More...
- Super Power Weekend
Friday 11 September to Sunday 13 September 2026
- Thu 17 Sep 2026 Severn Valley Railway (Steam Gala) More...
- Autumn Steam Gala
Thursday 17 - Sunday 20 September 2026
The annual Autumn Steam Gala returns in September!
What to expect at the Autumn Steam Gala? Our four day festival of steam will feature both guest and home-fleet locomotives operating a busy timetable between Kidderminster and Bridgnorth. If you love steam, this is the place to be! Ride behind every locomotive, visit The Engine House at Highley to break your day, or sample the finest real-ales in our pubs, as you experience the Severn Valley at its steamiest!
We have our fingers crossed for the anticipated gala debut of newly restored Prairie tank GWR No 4150.
Joining the line-up will be Ivatt Class 2 tank locomotive No 41313, appearing courtesy of the Isle of Wight Steam Railway. The visit marks several notable milestones, including the locomotive's first-ever appearance at the Severn Valley Railway and the first visit by an Isle of Wight-based locomotive to the line. It will also become only the third member of the Ivatt Class 2 2-6-2 tank family to visit the SVR in preservation.
We're pleased that BR(W) Pannier Tank 9681 will also be joining us for the Autumn Steam Gala (17-20 September). With the chance to pair up with our own BR Pannier Tank 7714, we are sure that 9681 is going to be a real draw for our passengers. We are grateful to the Dean Forest Locomotive Group for the hire of their locomotive, and to Dean Forest Railway for making the locomotive available.
Our final two visitors to the event will be LMS 'Royal Scot' 46115 Scots Guardsman and GWR '2884' 3850. We are incredibly grateful to West Coast Railways, the Gloucestershire and Warwickshire Railway, and Dinmore Manor Locomotive Ltd for making the locomotives available at such short notice.
Severn Valley Railway
- Fri 18 Sep 2026 Severn Valley Railway (Steam Gala) More...
- Autumn Steam Gala
Thursday 17 - Sunday 20 September 2026
The annual Autumn Steam Gala returns in September!
What to expect at the Autumn Steam Gala? Our four day festival of steam will feature both guest and home-fleet locomotives operating a busy timetable between Kidderminster and Bridgnorth. If you love steam, this is the place to be! Ride behind every locomotive, visit The Engine House at Highley to break your day, or sample the finest real-ales in our pubs, as you experience the Severn Valley at its steamiest!
We have our fingers crossed for the anticipated gala debut of newly restored Prairie tank GWR No 4150.
Joining the line-up will be Ivatt Class 2 tank locomotive No 41313, appearing courtesy of the Isle of Wight Steam Railway. The visit marks several notable milestones, including the locomotive's first-ever appearance at the Severn Valley Railway and the first visit by an Isle of Wight-based locomotive to the line. It will also become only the third member of the Ivatt Class 2 2-6-2 tank family to visit the SVR in preservation.
We're pleased that BR(W) Pannier Tank 9681 will also be joining us for the Autumn Steam Gala (17-20 September). With the chance to pair up with our own BR Pannier Tank 7714, we are sure that 9681 is going to be a real draw for our passengers. We are grateful to the Dean Forest Locomotive Group for the hire of their locomotive, and to Dean Forest Railway for making the locomotive available.
Our final two visitors to the event will be LMS 'Royal Scot' 46115 Scots Guardsman and GWR '2884' 3850. We are incredibly grateful to West Coast Railways, the Gloucestershire and Warwickshire Railway, and Dinmore Manor Locomotive Ltd for making the locomotives available at such short notice.
Severn Valley Railway
- Sat 19 Sep 2026 Apedale Valley Light Railway (Steam Gala) More...
- September Railway Gala
September 19th @ 11:30 am - September 20th 2026 @ 4:00 pm
Our traditional autumn railway gala, with the usual format for an Apedale Gala - lots of steam, lots of movements, lots to see!
Full details will be announced later in 2026 - but just mark this one in your diary!
HRA passes will not be valid. Trains will run from 1130 until 1600 on both days.
Apedale Valley Light Railway
- Sat 19 Sep 2026 Severn Valley Railway (Steam Gala) More...
- Autumn Steam Gala
Thursday 17 - Sunday 20 September 2026
The annual Autumn Steam Gala returns in September!
What to expect at the Autumn Steam Gala? Our four day festival of steam will feature both guest and home-fleet locomotives operating a busy timetable between Kidderminster and Bridgnorth. If you love steam, this is the place to be! Ride behind every locomotive, visit The Engine House at Highley to break your day, or sample the finest real-ales in our pubs, as you experience the Severn Valley at its steamiest!
We have our fingers crossed for the anticipated gala debut of newly restored Prairie tank GWR No 4150.
Joining the line-up will be Ivatt Class 2 tank locomotive No 41313, appearing courtesy of the Isle of Wight Steam Railway. The visit marks several notable milestones, including the locomotive's first-ever appearance at the Severn Valley Railway and the first visit by an Isle of Wight-based locomotive to the line. It will also become only the third member of the Ivatt Class 2 2-6-2 tank family to visit the SVR in preservation.
We're pleased that BR(W) Pannier Tank 9681 will also be joining us for the Autumn Steam Gala (17-20 September). With the chance to pair up with our own BR Pannier Tank 7714, we are sure that 9681 is going to be a real draw for our passengers. We are grateful to the Dean Forest Locomotive Group for the hire of their locomotive, and to Dean Forest Railway for making the locomotive available.
Our final two visitors to the event will be LMS 'Royal Scot' 46115 Scots Guardsman and GWR '2884' 3850. We are incredibly grateful to West Coast Railways, the Gloucestershire and Warwickshire Railway, and Dinmore Manor Locomotive Ltd for making the locomotives available at such short notice.
Severn Valley Railway
- Sun 20 Sep 2026 Apedale Valley Light Railway (Steam Gala) More...
- September Railway Gala
September 19th @ 11:30 am - September 20th 2026 @ 4:00 pm
Our traditional autumn railway gala, with the usual format for an Apedale Gala - lots of steam, lots of movements, lots to see!
Full details will be announced later in 2026 - but just mark this one in your diary!
HRA passes will not be valid. Trains will run from 1130 until 1600 on both days.
Apedale Valley Light Railway
- Sun 20 Sep 2026 Severn Valley Railway (Steam Gala) More...
- Autumn Steam Gala
Thursday 17 - Sunday 20 September 2026
The annual Autumn Steam Gala returns in September!
What to expect at the Autumn Steam Gala? Our four day festival of steam will feature both guest and home-fleet locomotives operating a busy timetable between Kidderminster and Bridgnorth. If you love steam, this is the place to be! Ride behind every locomotive, visit The Engine House at Highley to break your day, or sample the finest real-ales in our pubs, as you experience the Severn Valley at its steamiest!
We have our fingers crossed for the anticipated gala debut of newly restored Prairie tank GWR No 4150.
Joining the line-up will be Ivatt Class 2 tank locomotive No 41313, appearing courtesy of the Isle of Wight Steam Railway. The visit marks several notable milestones, including the locomotive's first-ever appearance at the Severn Valley Railway and the first visit by an Isle of Wight-based locomotive to the line. It will also become only the third member of the Ivatt Class 2 2-6-2 tank family to visit the SVR in preservation.
We're pleased that BR(W) Pannier Tank 9681 will also be joining us for the Autumn Steam Gala (17-20 September). With the chance to pair up with our own BR Pannier Tank 7714, we are sure that 9681 is going to be a real draw for our passengers. We are grateful to the Dean Forest Locomotive Group for the hire of their locomotive, and to Dean Forest Railway for making the locomotive available.
Our final two visitors to the event will be LMS 'Royal Scot' 46115 Scots Guardsman and GWR '2884' 3850. We are incredibly grateful to West Coast Railways, the Gloucestershire and Warwickshire Railway, and Dinmore Manor Locomotive Ltd for making the locomotives available at such short notice.
Severn Valley Railway
- Thu 24 Sep 2026 North Yorkshire Moors Railway (Steam Gala) More...
- Autumn Steam Gala
Thursday 24 September 2026 to Sunday 27 September 2026
Annual Steam Gala
24th - 27th Sept 2026
09:30 - 18:30
No. 60007 Sir Nigel Gresley
No. 563 T3 Class
No. 4079 Pendennis Castle
Up to 8 home-fleet steam locomotives
Goathland Station Beer Festival
Multi-day Hop-on Hop-off Tickets
North Yorkshire Moors Railway
- Fri 25 Sep 2026 North Yorkshire Moors Railway (Steam Gala) More...
- Autumn Steam Gala
Thursday 24 September 2026 to Sunday 27 September 2026
Annual Steam Gala
24th - 27th Sept 2026
09:30 - 18:30
No. 60007 Sir Nigel Gresley
No. 563 T3 Class
No. 4079 Pendennis Castle
Up to 8 home-fleet steam locomotives
Goathland Station Beer Festival
Multi-day Hop-on Hop-off Tickets
North Yorkshire Moors Railway
- Fri 25 Sep 2026 West Somerset Railway (Steam Gala) More...
- Autumn Steam Weekend
Friday 25th September- Sunday 27th September 2026
Join us as the much-loved Autumn Steam Weekend returns to mark a special milestone ? 50 years of the WSR in preservation. We're delighted to welcome an exciting lineup of visiting and home fleet locomotives, making this a must-see event for steam enthusiasts and families alike.
Across all three days, an intensive timetable will keep the action moving, giving you plenty of opportunities to explore our beautifully preserved stations, ride behind iconic engines, and take in the stunning autumn scenery along England's longest heritage railway.
The whole railway comes alive for the weekend, with museums, heritage displays, and model railways open throughout ? perfect for visitors of all ages. And with steam engines against a backdrop of autumn colour, don't forget your camera!
The full locomotive line up will be:
- LNWR Coal Tank no.1054
- GWR Large Prairie no.4110
- LMS Ivatt 2MT Tank no.41313
- Guest Loco TBA
- GWR 78XX no.7802 'Bradley Manor'
- GWR 78XX no.7812 'Erlestoke Manor'
- GWR 78XX no.7828 'Odney Manor'
- WSR Mogul no.9351
- Andrew Barclay Fireless no.1984 'Boots no1'
- Hudswell Clark no.1857
All locomotives and attractions are subject to availability.
West Somerset Railway
- Fri 25 Sep 2026 Blaenavon's Heritage Railway (Steam Gala) More...
- Industrial Steam of South Wales II Gala
Friday 25th / Saturday 26th / Sunday 27th September 2026
Our Steam Gala returns for 2026.
The only steam gala in South Wales this year.
This year sees our second Industrial Steam of South Wales Gala, the last having taken place 15 years ago in 2011.
Join us for three incredible days of steam power in the Eastern Valley of Wales, at the heart of a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Expect to hear the engines working hard as they power up our steep gradients. An intensive timetable will be in operation with both passenger and demonstration freight trains operating.
?This year's line up will feature locomotives that originally worked in South Wales.
Visiting Locomotive Announcement.
We are delighted to announce the first visiting locomotive for the gala - GWR Pannier Tank No 7754.
Built by the North British Locomotive Company in Glasgow for the GWR in 1930, 7754 was allocated to Reading, Old Oak Common and finally Wellington (Shropshire).
Following withdrawal from service in January 1959, the locomotive was sold to the National Coal Board, where it first worked at Talywain Colliery, approximately just 3 miles down the valley from our railway
A few months later 7754 was transferred to Mountain Ash, travelling their over BR metals in a freight train. It worked alongside our recently overhauled locomotive No. 2074 'Llantarnam Abbey' and stored locomotive No. 1680 'Sir John'.
7754 was the last surviving 5700 class locomotive in industrial service and was later donated by the NCB to National Museum Wales, who placed it on permanent loan to the Llangollen Railway. The locomotive is now owned by the Llangollen Railway Trust.
We still have TWO more former South Wales locomotives to announce - subject to agreements and availability.
Details will be announced shortly.
- Sat 26 Sep 2026 North Yorkshire Moors Railway (Steam Gala) More...
- Autumn Steam Gala
Thursday 24 September 2026 to Sunday 27 September 2026
Annual Steam Gala
24th - 27th Sept 2026
09:30 - 18:30
No. 60007 Sir Nigel Gresley
No. 563 T3 Class
No. 4079 Pendennis Castle
Up to 8 home-fleet steam locomotives
Goathland Station Beer Festival
Multi-day Hop-on Hop-off Tickets
North Yorkshire Moors Railway
- Sat 26 Sep 2026 West Somerset Railway (Steam Gala) More...
- Autumn Steam Weekend
Friday 25th September- Sunday 27th September 2026
Join us as the much-loved Autumn Steam Weekend returns to mark a special milestone ? 50 years of the WSR in preservation. We're delighted to welcome an exciting lineup of visiting and home fleet locomotives, making this a must-see event for steam enthusiasts and families alike.
Across all three days, an intensive timetable will keep the action moving, giving you plenty of opportunities to explore our beautifully preserved stations, ride behind iconic engines, and take in the stunning autumn scenery along England's longest heritage railway.
The whole railway comes alive for the weekend, with museums, heritage displays, and model railways open throughout ? perfect for visitors of all ages. And with steam engines against a backdrop of autumn colour, don't forget your camera!
The full locomotive line up will be:
- LNWR Coal Tank no.1054
- GWR Large Prairie no.4110
- LMS Ivatt 2MT Tank no.41313
- Guest Loco TBA
- GWR 78XX no.7802 'Bradley Manor'
- GWR 78XX no.7812 'Erlestoke Manor'
- GWR 78XX no.7828 'Odney Manor'
- WSR Mogul no.9351
- Andrew Barclay Fireless no.1984 'Boots no1'
- Hudswell Clark no.1857
All locomotives and attractions are subject to availability.
West Somerset Railway
- Sat 26 Sep 2026 Blaenavon's Heritage Railway (Steam Gala) More...
- Industrial Steam of South Wales II Gala
Friday 25th / Saturday 26th / Sunday 27th September 2026
Our Steam Gala returns for 2026.
The only steam gala in South Wales this year.
This year sees our second Industrial Steam of South Wales Gala, the last having taken place 15 years ago in 2011.
Join us for three incredible days of steam power in the Eastern Valley of Wales, at the heart of a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Expect to hear the engines working hard as they power up our steep gradients. An intensive timetable will be in operation with both passenger and demonstration freight trains operating.
?This year's line up will feature locomotives that originally worked in South Wales.
Visiting Locomotive Announcement.
We are delighted to announce the first visiting locomotive for the gala - GWR Pannier Tank No 7754.
Built by the North British Locomotive Company in Glasgow for the GWR in 1930, 7754 was allocated to Reading, Old Oak Common and finally Wellington (Shropshire).
Following withdrawal from service in January 1959, the locomotive was sold to the National Coal Board, where it first worked at Talywain Colliery, approximately just 3 miles down the valley from our railway
A few months later 7754 was transferred to Mountain Ash, travelling their over BR metals in a freight train. It worked alongside our recently overhauled locomotive No. 2074 'Llantarnam Abbey' and stored locomotive No. 1680 'Sir John'.
7754 was the last surviving 5700 class locomotive in industrial service and was later donated by the NCB to National Museum Wales, who placed it on permanent loan to the Llangollen Railway. The locomotive is now owned by the Llangollen Railway Trust.
We still have TWO more former South Wales locomotives to announce - subject to agreements and availability.
Details will be announced shortly.
- Sat 26 Sep 2026 Lynton & Barnstaple Railway (Steam Gala) More...
- Autumn Gala
Saturday 26 September and Sunday 27 September 2026
Autumn Gala 2026
Visiting Steam Tram 'Thomas Telford' confirmed! Courtesy of the Telford Steam Railway!
Telford Steam Railway
Our 2026 Autumn Gala takes place on the 26th and 27th September.
This year, we celebrate 75 years of narrow-gauge railway preservation, showcasing the remarkable breadth and diversity of the movement. Taking place over the final weekend of September, the gala also continues our traditional commemoration of the closure of the iconic Lynton and Barnstaple Railway.
This year we have two very special and unusual guest engines which, along with our home fleet, represents the wide spectrum that covers narrow gauge heritage.
The 'Thomas Telford' steam tram, which was highly commended at this year's Heritage Railway Association Awards makes a rare trip away from the Telford Steam Railway visiting the Southwest for the first time and, Lister Railtruck 11410, formerly a sewage works locomotive, joins us from a private collection in Devon.
- Sat 26 Sep 2026 Sittingbourne & Kemsley Light Railway (Steam Gala) More...
- Gala Weekend
Saturday 26 September and Sunday 27 September 2026
The Railway will be holding its annual Gala Weekend on Saturday 26 & 27th September 2026. There will be regular trains pulled by steam, diesel & electric locomotives.
'Rhoda the Roller' will be in steam and there will be other attractions which will be confirmed closer to the date of the event.
Timetable
Trains will depart Sittingbourne Viaduct station (where you start your journey) at:
10.40am - Premier (steam) on a mixed passenger & freight train
11am - Melior (steam) with the Bowater coaches passenger train
12pm - Hunslet (diesel) with the Chattenden & Upnor Railway coaches on a passenger train - the first time this locomotive has hauled a passenger train at this Railway from Sittingbourne Viaduct to Kemsley Down
12.55pm - Tank II (electric) with the Chattenden & Upnor Railway coaches on a passenger train - the first time this locomotive has hauled a passenger train at this Railway from Sittingbourne Viaduct to Kemsley Down
1.40pm - Hunslet (diesel) with the clamshell wagons on a freight train (no passengers)
2.05pm - Melior (steam) on a mixed passenger & freight train
2.45pm - Premier (steam) with the Bowaters coaches on a passenger train
3.25pm - Victor (diesel) with the Bowaters coaches on a passenger train
4.10pm - Melior (steam) with the Chattenden & Upnor Railway coaches on a passenger train
Trains will depart from Kemsley Down at:
11.20am - Hunslet (diesel) with the Chattenden & Upnor Railway coaches on a passenger train - the first time this locomotive has hauled a passenger train at this Railway from Kemsley Down to Sittingbourne Viaduct
11.40am - Tank II (battery) with the clamshell wagons on a freight train (no passengers)
12.30pm - Hunslet (diesel) with the Chattenden & Upnor Railway coaches on a passenger train
1.20pm - Melior (steam) and Premier (steam) double-headed to Milton Regis, where Melior will uncouple and run to Sittingbourne Viaduct station ahead of Premier and the mixed passenger & freight train continuing to Sittingbourne Viaduct station (arrives at 1.40pm)
2.05pm - Victor (diesel) and the Bowater coaches on a passenger train
2.45pm - Melior (steam) and the Bowater coaches on a passenger train
3.50pm - Premier (steam) and the Chattenden & Upnor Railway coaches on a passenger train
4.45pm - Victor (diesel) and the Chattenden & Upnor Railway coaches on a passenger train
5.05pm - Premier (steam) and Melior (steam) double-headed to Milton Regis, where Premier will uncouple and run to Sittingbourne Viaduct station ahead of Melior and the mixed passenger & freight train continuing to Sittingbourne Viaduct station (arrives at 5.25pm)
Trains will be first come, first served whether using online or pay-on-the-day tickets. To buy online tickets, click on the image below by 5pm the day before travel.
Please arrive at Sittingbourne Viaduct station 10-15 minutes earlier to buy or collect your tickets. We expect the first three trains to be very busy.
2026 Fares
£10 return for adults or £15 for a rover ticket
£5 return for children (3-15) or £10 for a rover ticket
Infants aged under 3 travel free
£9 return for senior citizens or £14 for a rover ticket
£27 for families (2 adults and 4 children)
£2 for adult SKLR members
£1 for child SKLR family members.
- Sun 27 Sep 2026 North Yorkshire Moors Railway (Steam Gala) More...
- Autumn Steam Gala
Thursday 24 September 2026 to Sunday 27 September 2026
Annual Steam Gala
24th - 27th Sept 2026
09:30 - 18:30
No. 60007 Sir Nigel Gresley
No. 563 T3 Class
No. 4079 Pendennis Castle
Up to 8 home-fleet steam locomotives
Goathland Station Beer Festival
Multi-day Hop-on Hop-off Tickets
North Yorkshire Moors Railway
- Sun 27 Sep 2026 West Somerset Railway (Steam Gala) More...
- Autumn Steam Weekend
Friday 25th September- Sunday 27th September 2026
Join us as the much-loved Autumn Steam Weekend returns to mark a special milestone ? 50 years of the WSR in preservation. We're delighted to welcome an exciting lineup of visiting and home fleet locomotives, making this a must-see event for steam enthusiasts and families alike.
Across all three days, an intensive timetable will keep the action moving, giving you plenty of opportunities to explore our beautifully preserved stations, ride behind iconic engines, and take in the stunning autumn scenery along England's longest heritage railway.
The whole railway comes alive for the weekend, with museums, heritage displays, and model railways open throughout ? perfect for visitors of all ages. And with steam engines against a backdrop of autumn colour, don't forget your camera!
The full locomotive line up will be:
- LNWR Coal Tank no.1054
- GWR Large Prairie no.4110
- LMS Ivatt 2MT Tank no.41313
- Guest Loco TBA
- GWR 78XX no.7802 'Bradley Manor'
- GWR 78XX no.7812 'Erlestoke Manor'
- GWR 78XX no.7828 'Odney Manor'
- WSR Mogul no.9351
- Andrew Barclay Fireless no.1984 'Boots no1'
- Hudswell Clark no.1857
All locomotives and attractions are subject to availability.
West Somerset Railway
- Sun 27 Sep 2026 Blaenavon's Heritage Railway (Steam Gala) More...
- Industrial Steam of South Wales II Gala
Friday 25th / Saturday 26th / Sunday 27th September 2026
Our Steam Gala returns for 2026.
The only steam gala in South Wales this year.
This year sees our second Industrial Steam of South Wales Gala, the last having taken place 15 years ago in 2011.
Join us for three incredible days of steam power in the Eastern Valley of Wales, at the heart of a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Expect to hear the engines working hard as they power up our steep gradients. An intensive timetable will be in operation with both passenger and demonstration freight trains operating.
?This year's line up will feature locomotives that originally worked in South Wales.
Visiting Locomotive Announcement.
We are delighted to announce the first visiting locomotive for the gala - GWR Pannier Tank No 7754.
Built by the North British Locomotive Company in Glasgow for the GWR in 1930, 7754 was allocated to Reading, Old Oak Common and finally Wellington (Shropshire).
Following withdrawal from service in January 1959, the locomotive was sold to the National Coal Board, where it first worked at Talywain Colliery, approximately just 3 miles down the valley from our railway
A few months later 7754 was transferred to Mountain Ash, travelling their over BR metals in a freight train. It worked alongside our recently overhauled locomotive No. 2074 'Llantarnam Abbey' and stored locomotive No. 1680 'Sir John'.
7754 was the last surviving 5700 class locomotive in industrial service and was later donated by the NCB to National Museum Wales, who placed it on permanent loan to the Llangollen Railway. The locomotive is now owned by the Llangollen Railway Trust.
We still have TWO more former South Wales locomotives to announce - subject to agreements and availability.
Details will be announced shortly.
- Sun 27 Sep 2026 Lynton & Barnstaple Railway (Steam Gala) More...
- Autumn Gala
Saturday 26 September and Sunday 27 September 2026
Autumn Gala 2026
Visiting Steam Tram 'Thomas Telford' confirmed! Courtesy of the Telford Steam Railway!
Telford Steam Railway
Our 2026 Autumn Gala takes place on the 26th and 27th September.
This year, we celebrate 75 years of narrow-gauge railway preservation, showcasing the remarkable breadth and diversity of the movement. Taking place over the final weekend of September, the gala also continues our traditional commemoration of the closure of the iconic Lynton and Barnstaple Railway.
This year we have two very special and unusual guest engines which, along with our home fleet, represents the wide spectrum that covers narrow gauge heritage.
The 'Thomas Telford' steam tram, which was highly commended at this year's Heritage Railway Association Awards makes a rare trip away from the Telford Steam Railway visiting the Southwest for the first time and, Lister Railtruck 11410, formerly a sewage works locomotive, joins us from a private collection in Devon.
- Sun 27 Sep 2026 Sittingbourne & Kemsley Light Railway (Steam Gala) More...
- Gala Weekend
Saturday 26 September and Sunday 27 September 2026
The Railway will be holding its annual Gala Weekend on Saturday 26 & 27th September 2026. There will be regular trains pulled by steam, diesel & electric locomotives.
'Rhoda the Roller' will be in steam and there will be other attractions which will be confirmed closer to the date of the event.
Timetable
Trains will depart Sittingbourne Viaduct station (where you start your journey) at:
10.40am - Premier (steam) on a mixed passenger & freight train
11am - Melior (steam) with the Bowater coaches passenger train
12pm - Hunslet (diesel) with the Chattenden & Upnor Railway coaches on a passenger train - the first time this locomotive has hauled a passenger train at this Railway from Sittingbourne Viaduct to Kemsley Down
12.55pm - Tank II (electric) with the Chattenden & Upnor Railway coaches on a passenger train - the first time this locomotive has hauled a passenger train at this Railway from Sittingbourne Viaduct to Kemsley Down
1.40pm - Hunslet (diesel) with the clamshell wagons on a freight train (no passengers)
2.05pm - Melior (steam) on a mixed passenger & freight train
2.45pm - Premier (steam) with the Bowaters coaches on a passenger train
3.25pm - Victor (diesel) with the Bowaters coaches on a passenger train
4.10pm - Melior (steam) with the Chattenden & Upnor Railway coaches on a passenger train
Trains will depart from Kemsley Down at:
11.20am - Hunslet (diesel) with the Chattenden & Upnor Railway coaches on a passenger train - the first time this locomotive has hauled a passenger train at this Railway from Kemsley Down to Sittingbourne Viaduct
11.40am - Tank II (battery) with the clamshell wagons on a freight train (no passengers)
12.30pm - Hunslet (diesel) with the Chattenden & Upnor Railway coaches on a passenger train
1.20pm - Melior (steam) and Premier (steam) double-headed to Milton Regis, where Melior will uncouple and run to Sittingbourne Viaduct station ahead of Premier and the mixed passenger & freight train continuing to Sittingbourne Viaduct station (arrives at 1.40pm)
2.05pm - Victor (diesel) and the Bowater coaches on a passenger train
2.45pm - Melior (steam) and the Bowater coaches on a passenger train
3.50pm - Premier (steam) and the Chattenden & Upnor Railway coaches on a passenger train
4.45pm - Victor (diesel) and the Chattenden & Upnor Railway coaches on a passenger train
5.05pm - Premier (steam) and Melior (steam) double-headed to Milton Regis, where Premier will uncouple and run to Sittingbourne Viaduct station ahead of Melior and the mixed passenger & freight train continuing to Sittingbourne Viaduct station (arrives at 5.25pm)
Trains will be first come, first served whether using online or pay-on-the-day tickets. To buy online tickets, click on the image below by 5pm the day before travel.
Please arrive at Sittingbourne Viaduct station 10-15 minutes earlier to buy or collect your tickets. We expect the first three trains to be very busy.
2026 Fares
£10 return for adults or £15 for a rover ticket
£5 return for children (3-15) or £10 for a rover ticket
Infants aged under 3 travel free
£9 return for senior citizens or £14 for a rover ticket
£27 for families (2 adults and 4 children)
£2 for adult SKLR members
£1 for child SKLR family members.
- Thu 01 Oct 2026 Great Central Railway (Steam Gala) More...
- Autumn Steam Gala
Thursday 1 October to Sunday 4 October 2026
It's full steam ahead for our annual Autumn Steam Gala!
Running across four packed days, the Gala features an intensive timetable of passenger, goods and double-headed trains, showcasing both our home fleet and visiting guest locomotives.
This year's event is themed as a 'Little & Large Gala', celebrating a fascinating variety of locomotives from some of the smallest engines in operation to larger and more powerful steam locomotives. You'll have the opportunity to see an incredible contrast of railway engineering from across different eras and industries.
Guest Locomotives:
LMS 16440
LMS 16440 is the 3rd guest to be announced for our Autumn Steam Gala with thanks to Midland Railway Trust Ltd. LMS 16440 is an LMS 3F built in 1926 by the North British Locomotive Co. in Glasgow
7232 Sentinel 'Ann'
Appearing with thanks to Keighley & Worth Valley Railway, Callum Porter and Chris Boocock. Built in Shrewsbury in 1927 by Sentinel, the locomotive represents the innovative engineering of a company best known for its steam-powered road vehicles.
GWR Saddle Tank 813
Appearing with thanks to Severn Valley Railway and the GWR 813 Preservation Fund, GWR Saddle Tank No. 813 was built by Hudswell Clarke in 1900 for the Port Talbot Railway, 813 is renowned as one of the smallest loco on the SVR.
Great Central Railway
- Fri 02 Oct 2026 Great Central Railway (Steam Gala) More...
- Autumn Steam Gala
Thursday 1 October to Sunday 4 October 2026
It's full steam ahead for our annual Autumn Steam Gala!
Running across four packed days, the Gala features an intensive timetable of passenger, goods and double-headed trains, showcasing both our home fleet and visiting guest locomotives.
This year's event is themed as a 'Little & Large Gala', celebrating a fascinating variety of locomotives from some of the smallest engines in operation to larger and more powerful steam locomotives. You'll have the opportunity to see an incredible contrast of railway engineering from across different eras and industries.
Guest Locomotives:
LMS 16440
LMS 16440 is the 3rd guest to be announced for our Autumn Steam Gala with thanks to Midland Railway Trust Ltd. LMS 16440 is an LMS 3F built in 1926 by the North British Locomotive Co. in Glasgow
7232 Sentinel 'Ann'
Appearing with thanks to Keighley & Worth Valley Railway, Callum Porter and Chris Boocock. Built in Shrewsbury in 1927 by Sentinel, the locomotive represents the innovative engineering of a company best known for its steam-powered road vehicles.
GWR Saddle Tank 813
Appearing with thanks to Severn Valley Railway and the GWR 813 Preservation Fund, GWR Saddle Tank No. 813 was built by Hudswell Clarke in 1900 for the Port Talbot Railway, 813 is renowned as one of the smallest loco on the SVR.
Great Central Railway
- Fri 02 Oct 2026 Watercress Line (Mid-Hants Railway) (Steam Gala) More...
- Autumn Steam Gala
Friday 2 October - Sunday 4 October 2026
An Autumn Steam Spectacular
We look forward to welcoming you to our three day 'steam' packed Autumn spectacular.
The Autumn Steam Gala event is a chance to enjoy unlimited rides behind visiting locomotives as well as our home-fleet locomotives, running on an enhanced timetable.
Explore all of our heritage stations along the 10-mile line, get up close to some of our locomotives, experience Brake Van rides, find out more about our restoration projects and enjoy talks and various exhibits.
Opening times: 9am - 6pm
More details to follow.
Visiting locomotives:
Ivatt Class 2, 41313 is the first locomotive visiting the Autumn Steam Gala, courtesy of the Isle of Wight Steam Railway.
41313 is the sister locomotive to our very own 41312, of which the Autumn gala will be her last gala prior to being withdrawn for overhaul.
Heavy Freight GWR tank 4247 will be appearing at the Autumn Steam Gala this October, courtesy of Paignton & Dartmouth Steam Railway.
We are thrilled to confirm that the heritage steam locomotive 6989 'Wightwick Hall' is the third visiting locomotive attending the Autumn Steam Gala, courtesy of our friends at Buckinghamshire Railway Centre.
We're delighted to welcome 46447 to our Autumn Steam Gala, visiting courtesy of the East Somerset Railway.
Her appearance means we'll have three Ivatt locomotives together, a fitting way to mark 41312's final gala before overhaul.
- Sat 03 Oct 2026 Great Central Railway (Steam Gala) More...
- Autumn Steam Gala
Thursday 1 October to Sunday 4 October 2026
It's full steam ahead for our annual Autumn Steam Gala!
Running across four packed days, the Gala features an intensive timetable of passenger, goods and double-headed trains, showcasing both our home fleet and visiting guest locomotives.
This year's event is themed as a 'Little & Large Gala', celebrating a fascinating variety of locomotives from some of the smallest engines in operation to larger and more powerful steam locomotives. You'll have the opportunity to see an incredible contrast of railway engineering from across different eras and industries.
Guest Locomotives:
LMS 16440
LMS 16440 is the 3rd guest to be announced for our Autumn Steam Gala with thanks to Midland Railway Trust Ltd. LMS 16440 is an LMS 3F built in 1926 by the North British Locomotive Co. in Glasgow
7232 Sentinel 'Ann'
Appearing with thanks to Keighley & Worth Valley Railway, Callum Porter and Chris Boocock. Built in Shrewsbury in 1927 by Sentinel, the locomotive represents the innovative engineering of a company best known for its steam-powered road vehicles.
GWR Saddle Tank 813
Appearing with thanks to Severn Valley Railway and the GWR 813 Preservation Fund, GWR Saddle Tank No. 813 was built by Hudswell Clarke in 1900 for the Port Talbot Railway, 813 is renowned as one of the smallest loco on the SVR.
Great Central Railway
- Sat 03 Oct 2026 Watercress Line (Mid-Hants Railway) (Steam Gala) More...
- Autumn Steam Gala
Friday 2 October - Sunday 4 October 2026
An Autumn Steam Spectacular
We look forward to welcoming you to our three day 'steam' packed Autumn spectacular.
The Autumn Steam Gala event is a chance to enjoy unlimited rides behind visiting locomotives as well as our home-fleet locomotives, running on an enhanced timetable.
Explore all of our heritage stations along the 10-mile line, get up close to some of our locomotives, experience Brake Van rides, find out more about our restoration projects and enjoy talks and various exhibits.
Opening times: 9am - 6pm
More details to follow.
Visiting locomotives:
Ivatt Class 2, 41313 is the first locomotive visiting the Autumn Steam Gala, courtesy of the Isle of Wight Steam Railway.
41313 is the sister locomotive to our very own 41312, of which the Autumn gala will be her last gala prior to being withdrawn for overhaul.
Heavy Freight GWR tank 4247 will be appearing at the Autumn Steam Gala this October, courtesy of Paignton & Dartmouth Steam Railway.
We are thrilled to confirm that the heritage steam locomotive 6989 'Wightwick Hall' is the third visiting locomotive attending the Autumn Steam Gala, courtesy of our friends at Buckinghamshire Railway Centre.
We're delighted to welcome 46447 to our Autumn Steam Gala, visiting courtesy of the East Somerset Railway.
Her appearance means we'll have three Ivatt locomotives together, a fitting way to mark 41312's final gala before overhaul.
- Sun 04 Oct 2026 Great Central Railway (Steam Gala) More...
- Autumn Steam Gala
Thursday 1 October to Sunday 4 October 2026
It's full steam ahead for our annual Autumn Steam Gala!
Running across four packed days, the Gala features an intensive timetable of passenger, goods and double-headed trains, showcasing both our home fleet and visiting guest locomotives.
This year's event is themed as a 'Little & Large Gala', celebrating a fascinating variety of locomotives from some of the smallest engines in operation to larger and more powerful steam locomotives. You'll have the opportunity to see an incredible contrast of railway engineering from across different eras and industries.
Guest Locomotives:
LMS 16440
LMS 16440 is the 3rd guest to be announced for our Autumn Steam Gala with thanks to Midland Railway Trust Ltd. LMS 16440 is an LMS 3F built in 1926 by the North British Locomotive Co. in Glasgow
7232 Sentinel 'Ann'
Appearing with thanks to Keighley & Worth Valley Railway, Callum Porter and Chris Boocock. Built in Shrewsbury in 1927 by Sentinel, the locomotive represents the innovative engineering of a company best known for its steam-powered road vehicles.
GWR Saddle Tank 813
Appearing with thanks to Severn Valley Railway and the GWR 813 Preservation Fund, GWR Saddle Tank No. 813 was built by Hudswell Clarke in 1900 for the Port Talbot Railway, 813 is renowned as one of the smallest loco on the SVR.
Great Central Railway
- Sun 04 Oct 2026 Watercress Line (Mid-Hants Railway) (Steam Gala) More...
- Autumn Steam Gala
Friday 2 October - Sunday 4 October 2026
An Autumn Steam Spectacular
We look forward to welcoming you to our three day 'steam' packed Autumn spectacular.
The Autumn Steam Gala event is a chance to enjoy unlimited rides behind visiting locomotives as well as our home-fleet locomotives, running on an enhanced timetable.
Explore all of our heritage stations along the 10-mile line, get up close to some of our locomotives, experience Brake Van rides, find out more about our restoration projects and enjoy talks and various exhibits.
Opening times: 9am - 6pm
More details to follow.
Visiting locomotives:
Ivatt Class 2, 41313 is the first locomotive visiting the Autumn Steam Gala, courtesy of the Isle of Wight Steam Railway.
41313 is the sister locomotive to our very own 41312, of which the Autumn gala will be her last gala prior to being withdrawn for overhaul.
Heavy Freight GWR tank 4247 will be appearing at the Autumn Steam Gala this October, courtesy of Paignton & Dartmouth Steam Railway.
We are thrilled to confirm that the heritage steam locomotive 6989 'Wightwick Hall' is the third visiting locomotive attending the Autumn Steam Gala, courtesy of our friends at Buckinghamshire Railway Centre.
We're delighted to welcome 46447 to our Autumn Steam Gala, visiting courtesy of the East Somerset Railway.
Her appearance means we'll have three Ivatt locomotives together, a fitting way to mark 41312's final gala before overhaul.
- Fri 09 Oct 2026 Bo'ness & Kinneil Railway (Steam Gala) More...
- Steam Gala
Friday 9 October 2026 to Sunday 11 October 2026
- Sat 10 Oct 2026 Bo'ness & Kinneil Railway (Steam Gala) More...
- Steam Gala
Friday 9 October 2026 to Sunday 11 October 2026
- Sun 11 Oct 2026 Bo'ness & Kinneil Railway (Steam Gala) More...
- Steam Gala
Friday 9 October 2026 to Sunday 11 October 2026
- Fri 16 Oct 2026 East Lancashire Railway (Steam Gala) More...
- Autumn Steam Gala
Friday 16 October - Sunday 18 October 2026
Climb aboard for a weekend of steam powered glory with the East Lancashire Railway's popular Autumn Steam Gala from 16 - 18 October. This is your chance to ride up and down the line behind the railway's incredible home fleet, as well as potential special guests.
We are deligted to announce our first guest locomotive! Urie S15 No. 30506 will be joining us at the ELR for the first time since 1993!
We can also now announce our second guest locomotive. GWR Pannier Tank No. 7714 is making very visit to the ELR. A massive thank you to the wonderful Severn Valley Railway and the SVR Pannier Tank Fund for making this possiblem, we always enjoy taking our engines to the SVR so it will be brilliant to host them here this time around.
Our third Guest locomotive has also been announced! SECR O1 No. 65 is venturing further North than it has ever done before, starring at our event! A massive thank you to our friends at the Bluebell Railway for the loan of such a well-looked after locomotive, it's always shining and we can't wait to see it at the ELR!
They will be operating on an intensive timetable throughout the three day gala, starring alongside our home fleet locomotives:
West Country 34092 'City of Wells'
Standard 4MT 80097
LYR 'A Class' 52322
LYR 11456/752
'Pug' 11243 (Friday Only)
The weekend will see an intensive, all steam timetable and all the usual bells and whistles of an ELR gala.
Tickets available soon.
Discounted Resident's Permit, ATOC and ELRPS tickets will be available to book on the day the appropriate pass is produced.
Timetable
Timetable available nearer the event.
East Lancashire Railway
- Fri 16 Oct 2026 Bluebell Railway (Steam Gala) More...
- Giants of Steam
Friday 16th - Sunday 18th October 2026
The Bluebell Railway's much-loved Giants of Steam gala returns this October.
Celebrating the power, presence, and prestige of Britain's largest and most impressive steam locomotives.
Following the success of previous Giants of Steam events ? which have seen some of the country's most famous heavy express engines working intensive services across the line ? the 2026 gala promises another unforgettable weekend of big engines, big sounds, and big spectacle.
BR 9F No. 92134 will be visiting us for Giants Of Steam 2026*
We would like to extend our sincere thanks to the Self Family and the North Yorkshire Moors Railway (NYMR). Their generosity and hard work in maintaining this icon have made it possible for 92134 to join our 2026 Giants Weekend line-up.
Joining 92134 for Giants Of Steam 2026 is 71000 Duke of Gloucester*
Its appearance at the Bluebell Railway offers a rare opportunity to see this unique locomotive operating in a heritage setting, adding considerable prestige to the 2026 event.
A small but mighty addition to Giants of Steam 2026: 41313!
The locomotive will make its first appearance back as a visiting engine at our Giants of Steam Gala, taking place from 16-18 October 2026, before remaining at the Bluebell Railway throughout the winter months.
We are extremely grateful to the Isle of Wight Steam Railway for their generosity in making this visit possible and for the continued friendship between our two railways. We look forward to welcoming No. 41313 back to the Bluebell Railway and are sure it will be a popular addition to both Giants of Steam and our winter services.
73082, 80151 and 34059 join our visitors in action for Giants Of Steam!
BR Standard 4MT No. 80151
BR Standard 5MT No. 73082 Camelot
Rebuilt Bulleid Battle of Britain No. 34059 Sir Archibald Sinclair
These three locomotives make a particularly strong home-fleet line-up for Giants of Steam, representing three different generations of British railway engineering and, in the case of 80151 and 34059, a particularly strong connection with Brighton Works and the Southern Region.
Bluebell Railway
- Sat 17 Oct 2026 East Lancashire Railway (Steam Gala) More...
- Autumn Steam Gala
Friday 16 October - Sunday 18 October 2026
Climb aboard for a weekend of steam powered glory with the East Lancashire Railway's popular Autumn Steam Gala from 16 - 18 October. This is your chance to ride up and down the line behind the railway's incredible home fleet, as well as potential special guests.
We are deligted to announce our first guest locomotive! Urie S15 No. 30506 will be joining us at the ELR for the first time since 1993!
We can also now announce our second guest locomotive. GWR Pannier Tank No. 7714 is making very visit to the ELR. A massive thank you to the wonderful Severn Valley Railway and the SVR Pannier Tank Fund for making this possiblem, we always enjoy taking our engines to the SVR so it will be brilliant to host them here this time around.
Our third Guest locomotive has also been announced! SECR O1 No. 65 is venturing further North than it has ever done before, starring at our event! A massive thank you to our friends at the Bluebell Railway for the loan of such a well-looked after locomotive, it's always shining and we can't wait to see it at the ELR!
They will be operating on an intensive timetable throughout the three day gala, starring alongside our home fleet locomotives:
West Country 34092 'City of Wells'
Standard 4MT 80097
LYR 'A Class' 52322
LYR 11456/752
'Pug' 11243 (Friday Only)
The weekend will see an intensive, all steam timetable and all the usual bells and whistles of an ELR gala.
Tickets available soon.
Discounted Resident's Permit, ATOC and ELRPS tickets will be available to book on the day the appropriate pass is produced.
Timetable
Timetable available nearer the event.
East Lancashire Railway
- Sat 17 Oct 2026 Bluebell Railway (Steam Gala) More...
- Giants of Steam
Friday 16th - Sunday 18th October 2026
The Bluebell Railway's much-loved Giants of Steam gala returns this October.
Celebrating the power, presence, and prestige of Britain's largest and most impressive steam locomotives.
Following the success of previous Giants of Steam events ? which have seen some of the country's most famous heavy express engines working intensive services across the line ? the 2026 gala promises another unforgettable weekend of big engines, big sounds, and big spectacle.
BR 9F No. 92134 will be visiting us for Giants Of Steam 2026*
We would like to extend our sincere thanks to the Self Family and the North Yorkshire Moors Railway (NYMR). Their generosity and hard work in maintaining this icon have made it possible for 92134 to join our 2026 Giants Weekend line-up.
Joining 92134 for Giants Of Steam 2026 is 71000 Duke of Gloucester*
Its appearance at the Bluebell Railway offers a rare opportunity to see this unique locomotive operating in a heritage setting, adding considerable prestige to the 2026 event.
A small but mighty addition to Giants of Steam 2026: 41313!
The locomotive will make its first appearance back as a visiting engine at our Giants of Steam Gala, taking place from 16-18 October 2026, before remaining at the Bluebell Railway throughout the winter months.
We are extremely grateful to the Isle of Wight Steam Railway for their generosity in making this visit possible and for the continued friendship between our two railways. We look forward to welcoming No. 41313 back to the Bluebell Railway and are sure it will be a popular addition to both Giants of Steam and our winter services.
73082, 80151 and 34059 join our visitors in action for Giants Of Steam!
BR Standard 4MT No. 80151
BR Standard 5MT No. 73082 Camelot
Rebuilt Bulleid Battle of Britain No. 34059 Sir Archibald Sinclair
These three locomotives make a particularly strong home-fleet line-up for Giants of Steam, representing three different generations of British railway engineering and, in the case of 80151 and 34059, a particularly strong connection with Brighton Works and the Southern Region.
Bluebell Railway
- Sun 18 Oct 2026 East Lancashire Railway (Steam Gala) More...
- Autumn Steam Gala
Friday 16 October - Sunday 18 October 2026
Climb aboard for a weekend of steam powered glory with the East Lancashire Railway's popular Autumn Steam Gala from 16 - 18 October. This is your chance to ride up and down the line behind the railway's incredible home fleet, as well as potential special guests.
We are deligted to announce our first guest locomotive! Urie S15 No. 30506 will be joining us at the ELR for the first time since 1993!
We can also now announce our second guest locomotive. GWR Pannier Tank No. 7714 is making very visit to the ELR. A massive thank you to the wonderful Severn Valley Railway and the SVR Pannier Tank Fund for making this possiblem, we always enjoy taking our engines to the SVR so it will be brilliant to host them here this time around.
Our third Guest locomotive has also been announced! SECR O1 No. 65 is venturing further North than it has ever done before, starring at our event! A massive thank you to our friends at the Bluebell Railway for the loan of such a well-looked after locomotive, it's always shining and we can't wait to see it at the ELR!
They will be operating on an intensive timetable throughout the three day gala, starring alongside our home fleet locomotives:
West Country 34092 'City of Wells'
Standard 4MT 80097
LYR 'A Class' 52322
LYR 11456/752
'Pug' 11243 (Friday Only)
The weekend will see an intensive, all steam timetable and all the usual bells and whistles of an ELR gala.
Tickets available soon.
Discounted Resident's Permit, ATOC and ELRPS tickets will be available to book on the day the appropriate pass is produced.
Timetable
Timetable available nearer the event.
East Lancashire Railway
- Sun 18 Oct 2026 Bluebell Railway (Steam Gala) More...
- Giants of Steam
Friday 16th - Sunday 18th October 2026
The Bluebell Railway's much-loved Giants of Steam gala returns this October.
Celebrating the power, presence, and prestige of Britain's largest and most impressive steam locomotives.
Following the success of previous Giants of Steam events ? which have seen some of the country's most famous heavy express engines working intensive services across the line ? the 2026 gala promises another unforgettable weekend of big engines, big sounds, and big spectacle.
BR 9F No. 92134 will be visiting us for Giants Of Steam 2026*
We would like to extend our sincere thanks to the Self Family and the North Yorkshire Moors Railway (NYMR). Their generosity and hard work in maintaining this icon have made it possible for 92134 to join our 2026 Giants Weekend line-up.
Joining 92134 for Giants Of Steam 2026 is 71000 Duke of Gloucester*
Its appearance at the Bluebell Railway offers a rare opportunity to see this unique locomotive operating in a heritage setting, adding considerable prestige to the 2026 event.
A small but mighty addition to Giants of Steam 2026: 41313!
The locomotive will make its first appearance back as a visiting engine at our Giants of Steam Gala, taking place from 16-18 October 2026, before remaining at the Bluebell Railway throughout the winter months.
We are extremely grateful to the Isle of Wight Steam Railway for their generosity in making this visit possible and for the continued friendship between our two railways. We look forward to welcoming No. 41313 back to the Bluebell Railway and are sure it will be a popular addition to both Giants of Steam and our winter services.
73082, 80151 and 34059 join our visitors in action for Giants Of Steam!
BR Standard 4MT No. 80151
BR Standard 5MT No. 73082 Camelot
Rebuilt Bulleid Battle of Britain No. 34059 Sir Archibald Sinclair
These three locomotives make a particularly strong home-fleet line-up for Giants of Steam, representing three different generations of British railway engineering and, in the case of 80151 and 34059, a particularly strong connection with Brighton Works and the Southern Region.
Bluebell Railway
- Sat 24 Oct 2026 North Norfolk Railway (Steam Gala) More...
- Sat 24 Oct 2026 North Yorkshire Moors Railway (Steam Gala) More...
- Sun 25 Oct 2026 North Norfolk Railway (Steam Gala) More...
- Sun 25 Oct 2026 North Yorkshire Moors Railway (Steam Gala) More...
- Fri 30 Oct 2026 Chinnor & Princes Risborough Railway (Steam Gala) More...
- Steam Gala - save the dates!
Join us for an unforgettable Steam Gala on Friday 30, Saturday 31 October and Sunday 1 November 2026.
This is the third occasion that an all-steam Gala has been run over 3-days at the Chinnor and Princes Risborough Railway and we want you to be there, so please add the dates to your diary.
Locomotives in action include visiting GWR Saint 2999 'Lady of Legend' courtesy of Didcot Railway Centre, resident S160 6046 and Sentinel 7109.
- Sat 31 Oct 2026 Dean Forest Railway (Steam Gala) More...
- Royal Festival of Steam
Saturday 31 October and Sunday 1 November 2026
Featuring visiting locomotive LNWR Coal Tank 1054 courtesy of the Bahamas Locomotive Society and the Keighley and Worth Valley Railway.
Dean Forest Railway
- Sat 31 Oct 2026 Chinnor & Princes Risborough Railway (Steam Gala) More...
- Steam Gala - save the dates!
Join us for an unforgettable Steam Gala on Friday 30, Saturday 31 October and Sunday 1 November 2026.
This is the third occasion that an all-steam Gala has been run over 3-days at the Chinnor and Princes Risborough Railway and we want you to be there, so please add the dates to your diary.
Locomotives in action include visiting GWR Saint 2999 'Lady of Legend' courtesy of Didcot Railway Centre, resident S160 6046 and Sentinel 7109.
- Sun 01 Nov 2026 Dean Forest Railway (Steam Gala) More...
- Royal Festival of Steam
Saturday 31 October and Sunday 1 November 2026
Featuring visiting locomotive LNWR Coal Tank 1054 courtesy of the Bahamas Locomotive Society and the Keighley and Worth Valley Railway.
Dean Forest Railway
- Sun 01 Nov 2026 Chinnor & Princes Risborough Railway (Steam Gala) More...
- Steam Gala - save the dates!
Join us for an unforgettable Steam Gala on Friday 30, Saturday 31 October and Sunday 1 November 2026.
This is the third occasion that an all-steam Gala has been run over 3-days at the Chinnor and Princes Risborough Railway and we want you to be there, so please add the dates to your diary.
Locomotives in action include visiting GWR Saint 2999 'Lady of Legend' courtesy of Didcot Railway Centre, resident S160 6046 and Sentinel 7109.
- Sat 14 Nov 2026 Great Central Railway (Steam Gala) More...
- Last Hurrah Steam Gala
Saturday 14 and Sunday 15 November 2026
See out the end of the year with an intensive weekend starring the GCR home fleet.
Great Central Railway
- Sun 15 Nov 2026 Great Central Railway (Steam Gala) More...
- Last Hurrah Steam Gala
Saturday 14 and Sunday 15 November 2026
See out the end of the year with an intensive weekend starring the GCR home fleet.
Great Central Railway
- Sun 27 Dec 2026 Apedale Valley Light Railway (Steam Gala) More...
- Winter Warmers Steam gala - 2027
December 27th 2026 @ 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Blow away the winter cobwebs with out Winter Warmers gala - one day only, Sunday December 27th. Further details will be added during 2026.
Apedale Valley Light Railway
- Sat 02 Jan 2027 Severn Valley Railway (Steam Gala) More...
- Winter Steam Gala
Saturday 2 - Sunday 3 January 2027
The Winter Steam Gala returns on the first weekend in January 2027 care of the SVR home-fleet.
What to expect at the Winter Steam Gala? Our two day festival of steam will feature home-fleet locomotives operating a busy timetable between Kidderminster and Bridgnorth. Our heritage carriages will be steam heated and the engines are sure to be working hard! If you and your family love steam, this is the place to be! Ride behind every locomotive, visit The Engine House at Highley to break your day, and sample the finest real-ales in our pubs.
The gift shops, cafes and kiosks will also be open selling food and drinks, and The Engine House is open from 10.45am-4.30pm (last entry 4.00pm).
We will be adding more detailed information a bit closer to the date.
Severn Valley Railway
- Sun 03 Jan 2027 Severn Valley Railway (Steam Gala) More...
- Winter Steam Gala
Saturday 2 - Sunday 3 January 2027
The Winter Steam Gala returns on the first weekend in January 2027 care of the SVR home-fleet.
What to expect at the Winter Steam Gala? Our two day festival of steam will feature home-fleet locomotives operating a busy timetable between Kidderminster and Bridgnorth. Our heritage carriages will be steam heated and the engines are sure to be working hard! If you and your family love steam, this is the place to be! Ride behind every locomotive, visit The Engine House at Highley to break your day, and sample the finest real-ales in our pubs.
The gift shops, cafes and kiosks will also be open selling food and drinks, and The Engine House is open from 10.45am-4.30pm (last entry 4.00pm).
We will be adding more detailed information a bit closer to the date.
Severn Valley Railway
- Thu 18 Mar 2027 Keighley & Worth Valley Railway (Steam Gala) More...
- The Steam Gala
18-21 March 2027
The Keighley & Worth Valley Railway Steam Gala returns in 2027, bringing together home fleet favourites, visiting locomotives, intensive timetables, goods trains, photo opportunities and plenty of steam along the five-mile branch line.
For now, save the date and keep an eye out?
Keighley & Worth Valley Railway
- Fri 19 Mar 2027 Keighley & Worth Valley Railway (Steam Gala) More...
- The Steam Gala
18-21 March 2027
The Keighley & Worth Valley Railway Steam Gala returns in 2027, bringing together home fleet favourites, visiting locomotives, intensive timetables, goods trains, photo opportunities and plenty of steam along the five-mile branch line.
For now, save the date and keep an eye out?
Keighley & Worth Valley Railway
- Sat 20 Mar 2027 Keighley & Worth Valley Railway (Steam Gala) More...
- The Steam Gala
18-21 March 2027
The Keighley & Worth Valley Railway Steam Gala returns in 2027, bringing together home fleet favourites, visiting locomotives, intensive timetables, goods trains, photo opportunities and plenty of steam along the five-mile branch line.
For now, save the date and keep an eye out?
Keighley & Worth Valley Railway
- Sun 21 Mar 2027 Keighley & Worth Valley Railway (Steam Gala) More...
- The Steam Gala
18-21 March 2027
The Keighley & Worth Valley Railway Steam Gala returns in 2027, bringing together home fleet favourites, visiting locomotives, intensive timetables, goods trains, photo opportunities and plenty of steam along the five-mile branch line.
For now, save the date and keep an eye out?
Keighley & Worth Valley Railway
- Fri 02 Apr 2027 Llangollen Railway (Steam Gala) More...
- Sat 03 Apr 2027 Llangollen Railway (Steam Gala) More...
- Sun 04 Apr 2027 Llangollen Railway (Steam Gala) More...
- Sat 19 Jun 2027 Bluebell Railway (Steam Gala) More...
- End of Southern Steam Weekend
Saturday 19 June and Sunday 20 June 2027
Bluebell Railway
- Sun 20 Jun 2027 Bluebell Railway (Steam Gala) More...
- End of Southern Steam Weekend
Saturday 19 June and Sunday 20 June 2027
Bluebell Railway