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Summer Diesel Gala Thursday 2 July to Sunday 5 July 2026 Diesel powered fun in the sun! 2 - 5 July 2026 Updated 8/5/2026 See and ride behind your favourite engines from the ELR home fleet, with an intensive all diesel timetable for four whole days. This is one of the most popular annual enthusiast events of the year, so don't miss out. Your third and final visitor! We're absolutely thrilled to announce that 20303 will be visiting us to star at the Summer Diesel Gala! Courtesy of our friends at Swietelsky UK, the Chopper makes its appearance in its attractive new livery to haul trains across the gala. We're incredibly grateful to our industry partners who continue to support the ELR by providing locomotives for you all to enjoy. This completes our visiting line up for the Summer Gala Class 37 - 37610 will be appearing at the ELR's Summer Diesel Gala! Appearing courtesy of our friends at Swietelsky UK, the ex DRS mainline certified loco will be appearing at all four days of the gala. This will be a rare opportunity to get haulage from this particularly elusive locomotive! 58023 will also be visiting the East Lancs Railway for the Summer Diesel Gala! Appearing courtesy of Edward Stevenson, the Class 58 will be the first of its class to visit the ELR. Although it's worth noting that Class 58's were often seen in the Castleton area working steel trains so they're no strangers to us.
Weekly Wind-Up #2255 2255 ? 2 July 2026 QUEENBOROUGH (QBR) The Admiral's Arm, 4 West Street, Queenborough, Kent. ME11 5AD A new venue for us as we visit the Isle of Sheppey after a very long gap - we last visited Sheerness in November 1986! The Admiral's Arm has a warm nautical and lifeboat-themed atmosphere with an everchanging selection of real ales, craft beers and ciders. Four rotating real ales are on hand-pump (mild has been requested) with up to 14 traditional ciders and perries. Kent CAMRA Regional & Branch Pub of the Year 2019 and local CAMRA Cider Pub of the Year 2025. Pizzas and other snacks are available until 21:00.
Wind Up North #423 Thursday 2 July 2026 Gas Lamp, 50A Bridge Street, Manchester. M3 3BW
Summer Diesel Gala Thursday 2 July to Sunday 5 July 2026 Diesel powered fun in the sun! 2 - 5 July 2026 Updated 8/5/2026 See and ride behind your favourite engines from the ELR home fleet, with an intensive all diesel timetable for four whole days. This is one of the most popular annual enthusiast events of the year, so don't miss out. Your third and final visitor! We're absolutely thrilled to announce that 20303 will be visiting us to star at the Summer Diesel Gala! Courtesy of our friends at Swietelsky UK, the Chopper makes its appearance in its attractive new livery to haul trains across the gala. We're incredibly grateful to our industry partners who continue to support the ELR by providing locomotives for you all to enjoy. This completes our visiting line up for the Summer Gala Class 37 - 37610 will be appearing at the ELR's Summer Diesel Gala! Appearing courtesy of our friends at Swietelsky UK, the ex DRS mainline certified loco will be appearing at all four days of the gala. This will be a rare opportunity to get haulage from this particularly elusive locomotive! 58023 will also be visiting the East Lancs Railway for the Summer Diesel Gala! Appearing courtesy of Edward Stevenson, the Class 58 will be the first of its class to visit the ELR. Although it's worth noting that Class 58's were often seen in the Castleton area working steel trains so they're no strangers to us.
Summer Diesel Gala Thursday 2 July to Sunday 5 July 2026 Diesel powered fun in the sun! 2 - 5 July 2026 Updated 8/5/2026 See and ride behind your favourite engines from the ELR home fleet, with an intensive all diesel timetable for four whole days. This is one of the most popular annual enthusiast events of the year, so don't miss out. Your third and final visitor! We're absolutely thrilled to announce that 20303 will be visiting us to star at the Summer Diesel Gala! Courtesy of our friends at Swietelsky UK, the Chopper makes its appearance in its attractive new livery to haul trains across the gala. We're incredibly grateful to our industry partners who continue to support the ELR by providing locomotives for you all to enjoy. This completes our visiting line up for the Summer Gala Class 37 - 37610 will be appearing at the ELR's Summer Diesel Gala! Appearing courtesy of our friends at Swietelsky UK, the ex DRS mainline certified loco will be appearing at all four days of the gala. This will be a rare opportunity to get haulage from this particularly elusive locomotive! 58023 will also be visiting the East Lancs Railway for the Summer Diesel Gala! Appearing courtesy of Edward Stevenson, the Class 58 will be the first of its class to visit the ELR. Although it's worth noting that Class 58's were often seen in the Castleton area working steel trains so they're no strangers to us.
The Lakelander Saturday 4 July 2026 Departing from Nottingham, Attenborough, Derby, Belper, Chesterfield, Chinley, Stockport, Manchester Piccadilly, Preston Travelling through the county town of Lancaster our steam locomotive works hard to climb the severe gradients of Grayrigg and Shap Summit with splendid views over the Cumbrian Fells before we descend to Penrith, and head for Carlisle. There will be around two hours available to explore this ancient border city with its castle, cathedral, Tullie House Museum, and shopping centre. Our return journey takes the scenic coastal route around the Cumbrian Coast running along the shoreline through Workington with spectacular cliff edge views as we journey south and the Isle of Man visible across the Irish Sea. We run close to the shoreline passing Sellafield, and Ravenglass. After Ulverston, we curve along the edge of Morecambe Bay through Grange-over-Sands. There are views across the bay as we cross the lengthy Kent Viaduct at Arnside and approach Carnforth and a fast run homeward along the west coast main line. The train is steam hauled from Preston by Class A4 locomotive 60007 Sir Nigel Gresley. Mobility: This tour may not be suitable for guests requiring the use of a wheelchair or with serious mobility issues. EXPLORE LOCOMOTIVES Saphos Trains | The Lakelander - 4 July 2026 JOURNEY DESTINATIONS Saphos Trains | Travel on a Luxury Train to Carlisle Carlisle Once in the ancient city, which dates back to Roman times, there is much to see and do. Highlights include the magnificent castle founded in 1092 and nearby citadel built by Henry VIII, as well as the beautiful cathedral with its famous 14th Century stained glass window. For art lovers, there is no better place to begin exploring the city's fascinating past than the award winning Tullie House Museum and Art Gallery. The classical Grade One Listed Jacobean building is full of exciting exhibits and interactive displays. APPROXIMATE TRAVEL TIMINGS* Boarding Stations The following pick-up and set-down stations are available on this journey STATION DEPARTS RETURNS Nottingham 05.40 23.55 Attenborough 05.50 23.50 Derby 06.10 23.30 Belper 06.20 23.15 Chesterfield 06.40 23.00 Chinley 07.15 22.20 Stockport 07.30 22.10 Manchester Piccadilly 08.20 21.30 Preston 09.55 20.30 Destinations The following destination stations are available on this journey STATION ARRIVES DEPARTS Carlisle 13.00 16.00 PLEASE NOTE * All timings shown above are approximate and may be subject to change.
Jinty 100 Weekend with 16440! July 4 - July 5 Join us as we celebrate LMS Jinty 16440 turning 100 years old!
Visit Wallingford on Thames by heritage train Saturday 4 July 2026 Explore the delights of the historic market town of Wallingford, on the banks of the River Thames. Alight from your National Rail train at Cholsey, and board our 1960s 'Bubblecar', departing regularly to Wallingford. The historic town, with its castle remains, riverside walks and interesting shops, cafes and pubs, is a ten minute walk from our station. Take any return train. Trains depart Cholsey station for Wallingford at 10:50, 11:30, 12:10, 12:50, 14:20, 15:00, 15:40 and 16:20 (no return) Trains depart Wallingford station for return to Cholsey at 10:30, 11:10, 11:50, 12:30, 14:00, 14:40, 15:20 and 16:00 Total Journey time each way is around 15 mins. Dates 04 July 2026
Summer Diesel Gala Thursday 2 July to Sunday 5 July 2026 Diesel powered fun in the sun! 2 - 5 July 2026 Updated 8/5/2026 See and ride behind your favourite engines from the ELR home fleet, with an intensive all diesel timetable for four whole days. This is one of the most popular annual enthusiast events of the year, so don't miss out. Your third and final visitor! We're absolutely thrilled to announce that 20303 will be visiting us to star at the Summer Diesel Gala! Courtesy of our friends at Swietelsky UK, the Chopper makes its appearance in its attractive new livery to haul trains across the gala. We're incredibly grateful to our industry partners who continue to support the ELR by providing locomotives for you all to enjoy. This completes our visiting line up for the Summer Gala Class 37 - 37610 will be appearing at the ELR's Summer Diesel Gala! Appearing courtesy of our friends at Swietelsky UK, the ex DRS mainline certified loco will be appearing at all four days of the gala. This will be a rare opportunity to get haulage from this particularly elusive locomotive! 58023 will also be visiting the East Lancs Railway for the Summer Diesel Gala! Appearing courtesy of Edward Stevenson, the Class 58 will be the first of its class to visit the ELR. Although it's worth noting that Class 58's were often seen in the Castleton area working steel trains so they're no strangers to us.
Jinty 100 Weekend with 16440! July 4 - July 5 Join us as we celebrate LMS Jinty 16440 turning 100 years old!
Weekly Wind-Up #2256 2256 ? 9 July 2026 HANWELL (HAN) The Fox, 77 Green Lane, Hanwell, London. W7 2PJ We last visited Hanwell in 2019 when we went to The Grosvenor for the third time, but we now try a second new venue for this sheet when we visit today. The Fox is a welcoming local less than a minute from the Grand Union canal and is a favourite with canal walkers, cyclists, and dog walkers. Originally a Royal Brewery house, the pub was saved from the developers in 2001 and has won the branch Pub of the Year award on many occasions since. The pub changed hands and was refurbished in 2020, extending the pub into the garden and creating a new partly covered large outdoor seating area. A dark beer has been requested for our visit, but also note that Ealing Beer Festival is on this week, where there will be many dark beers amongst the offerings. The festival is in Walpole Park, Ealing, from where buses 207, 483 or E8 provide regular services to Hanwell.
Wind Up North #424 Thursday 9 July 2026 Northern Guitars CafeBar, 41 Call Lane, Leeds. LS1 7BT
Diesel Gala Friday 10 July to Sunday 12 July 2026 Enjoy the sights and sounds of a weekend of heritage diesel traction over our steeply graded line The Diesel Gala will see the railway operated by visiting diesel engines and our home-fleet of diesel locomotives. It will be a three day event, taking place from Friday 10 July through to Sunday 12 July, and will see an intensive train service operating over the steeply graded route, providing the opportunity to enjoy the sights and sounds of both heritage and modern diesel traction. More details to follow. Visiting locomotives First Guest: We are absolutely delighted to announce that our first visitor for the gala has been confirmed as Class 423 4VEP 3417 Gordon Pettit, courtesy of our friends at the Southern Electric Traction Group and the Bluebell Railway. The 4VEP units were a fleet of 194 high density express passenger electric units drawing power from the 750-volt DC third rail. Once an everyday sight on the Southern Region of British Rail operating between 1967 and 2005, 3417 is now the only complete 4VEP left and is being lovingly restored thanks to the Southern Electric Traction Group with the support of the Bluebell Railway. Built partly at York and Derby works this unit entered service as 7717 on 8th July 1967 (the day before steam traction finished on the Southern Region) and was based at Bournemouth. The unit was later renumbered to 3417 in the 1990's and in 2004 the unit was repainted by South West Trains into a version of the original BR Blue as built livery and named Gordon Pettit after the much-respected last General Manager of the Southern Region. 3417 then became a bit of celebrity and brought down the curtain on regular mainline slam door operation on the Southern region in May 2005. Saved for preservation by the Southern Electric Traction Group initially stored at Wimbledon Park Depot, the unit moved for a time to East Grinstead and subsequently to Strawberry Hill Depot near Twickenham (SW London). There will be plenty of opportunities to travel behind this fabulous unit over the gala weekend. Second Guest Locomotive: We are absolutely delighted to announce that our second visitor has been confirmed as Class 31 31210, courtesy of Jason Hall, subject to the completion of repairs and recertification. The Class 31 (or Brush type 2 as they were originally known) were a fleet of 263 locomotives built by the Brush Traction Company in the Falcon Works in Loughborough. The locomotives were built between 1957 and 1962 initially planned for the Eastern Region, and then later used on the Midland and Western Regions as well. The type was unique in this country having an A-1-A wheel arrangement, in that the outer wheels of each bogie were powered, but the centre wheels were unpowered and purely carried the weight. Built as D5634, the loco entered service on 21st July 1960 at Stratford depot, and then to March depot. Originally built with a Mirrless JVS12T engine, however, the type suffered in the early years with cracking, and British Rail decided to replace all of the engines with an English Electric 12SVT engine rated at 1470 hp. D5634 received its new engine in May 1968, along with the BR corporate blue livery and in 1973 was allocated to Finsbury Park. March 1974 saw the introduction of the TOPS system (Total Operations Processing System) which gave all locomotive a five-character number (the first two numbers indicating the Class), and from then on D5634 became 31210. In 1976 31210 moved to Bristol Bath Road on the Western Region. 31210 worked its last passenger train on 9th September 1990, which was a Carlisle to Cleethorpes charter train, and by the Autumn of 1991 was stored unserviceable and officially withdrawn in February 1992. After a lengthy overhaul at several locations, 2026 will see 31210 once again active, and we are delighted to be one of the first locations for this locomotive to be operating since 1991. More visitors to be announced!
Diesel Gala Friday 10 July to Sunday 12 July 2026 Enjoy the sights and sounds of a weekend of heritage diesel traction over our steeply graded line The Diesel Gala will see the railway operated by visiting diesel engines and our home-fleet of diesel locomotives. It will be a three day event, taking place from Friday 10 July through to Sunday 12 July, and will see an intensive train service operating over the steeply graded route, providing the opportunity to enjoy the sights and sounds of both heritage and modern diesel traction. More details to follow. Visiting locomotives First Guest: We are absolutely delighted to announce that our first visitor for the gala has been confirmed as Class 423 4VEP 3417 Gordon Pettit, courtesy of our friends at the Southern Electric Traction Group and the Bluebell Railway. The 4VEP units were a fleet of 194 high density express passenger electric units drawing power from the 750-volt DC third rail. Once an everyday sight on the Southern Region of British Rail operating between 1967 and 2005, 3417 is now the only complete 4VEP left and is being lovingly restored thanks to the Southern Electric Traction Group with the support of the Bluebell Railway. Built partly at York and Derby works this unit entered service as 7717 on 8th July 1967 (the day before steam traction finished on the Southern Region) and was based at Bournemouth. The unit was later renumbered to 3417 in the 1990's and in 2004 the unit was repainted by South West Trains into a version of the original BR Blue as built livery and named Gordon Pettit after the much-respected last General Manager of the Southern Region. 3417 then became a bit of celebrity and brought down the curtain on regular mainline slam door operation on the Southern region in May 2005. Saved for preservation by the Southern Electric Traction Group initially stored at Wimbledon Park Depot, the unit moved for a time to East Grinstead and subsequently to Strawberry Hill Depot near Twickenham (SW London). There will be plenty of opportunities to travel behind this fabulous unit over the gala weekend. Second Guest Locomotive: We are absolutely delighted to announce that our second visitor has been confirmed as Class 31 31210, courtesy of Jason Hall, subject to the completion of repairs and recertification. The Class 31 (or Brush type 2 as they were originally known) were a fleet of 263 locomotives built by the Brush Traction Company in the Falcon Works in Loughborough. The locomotives were built between 1957 and 1962 initially planned for the Eastern Region, and then later used on the Midland and Western Regions as well. The type was unique in this country having an A-1-A wheel arrangement, in that the outer wheels of each bogie were powered, but the centre wheels were unpowered and purely carried the weight. Built as D5634, the loco entered service on 21st July 1960 at Stratford depot, and then to March depot. Originally built with a Mirrless JVS12T engine, however, the type suffered in the early years with cracking, and British Rail decided to replace all of the engines with an English Electric 12SVT engine rated at 1470 hp. D5634 received its new engine in May 1968, along with the BR corporate blue livery and in 1973 was allocated to Finsbury Park. March 1974 saw the introduction of the TOPS system (Total Operations Processing System) which gave all locomotive a five-character number (the first two numbers indicating the Class), and from then on D5634 became 31210. In 1976 31210 moved to Bristol Bath Road on the Western Region. 31210 worked its last passenger train on 9th September 1990, which was a Carlisle to Cleethorpes charter train, and by the Autumn of 1991 was stored unserviceable and officially withdrawn in February 1992. After a lengthy overhaul at several locations, 2026 will see 31210 once again active, and we are delighted to be one of the first locations for this locomotive to be operating since 1991. More visitors to be announced!
Double Diesel Day Sunday 12 July 2026 Featuring both resident Class 31s (31 289 and 31601) in action on a mixture of double-header, top-and-tail and solo service trains.
Diesel Gala Friday 10 July to Sunday 12 July 2026 Enjoy the sights and sounds of a weekend of heritage diesel traction over our steeply graded line The Diesel Gala will see the railway operated by visiting diesel engines and our home-fleet of diesel locomotives. It will be a three day event, taking place from Friday 10 July through to Sunday 12 July, and will see an intensive train service operating over the steeply graded route, providing the opportunity to enjoy the sights and sounds of both heritage and modern diesel traction. More details to follow. Visiting locomotives First Guest: We are absolutely delighted to announce that our first visitor for the gala has been confirmed as Class 423 4VEP 3417 Gordon Pettit, courtesy of our friends at the Southern Electric Traction Group and the Bluebell Railway. The 4VEP units were a fleet of 194 high density express passenger electric units drawing power from the 750-volt DC third rail. Once an everyday sight on the Southern Region of British Rail operating between 1967 and 2005, 3417 is now the only complete 4VEP left and is being lovingly restored thanks to the Southern Electric Traction Group with the support of the Bluebell Railway. Built partly at York and Derby works this unit entered service as 7717 on 8th July 1967 (the day before steam traction finished on the Southern Region) and was based at Bournemouth. The unit was later renumbered to 3417 in the 1990's and in 2004 the unit was repainted by South West Trains into a version of the original BR Blue as built livery and named Gordon Pettit after the much-respected last General Manager of the Southern Region. 3417 then became a bit of celebrity and brought down the curtain on regular mainline slam door operation on the Southern region in May 2005. Saved for preservation by the Southern Electric Traction Group initially stored at Wimbledon Park Depot, the unit moved for a time to East Grinstead and subsequently to Strawberry Hill Depot near Twickenham (SW London). There will be plenty of opportunities to travel behind this fabulous unit over the gala weekend. Second Guest Locomotive: We are absolutely delighted to announce that our second visitor has been confirmed as Class 31 31210, courtesy of Jason Hall, subject to the completion of repairs and recertification. The Class 31 (or Brush type 2 as they were originally known) were a fleet of 263 locomotives built by the Brush Traction Company in the Falcon Works in Loughborough. The locomotives were built between 1957 and 1962 initially planned for the Eastern Region, and then later used on the Midland and Western Regions as well. The type was unique in this country having an A-1-A wheel arrangement, in that the outer wheels of each bogie were powered, but the centre wheels were unpowered and purely carried the weight. Built as D5634, the loco entered service on 21st July 1960 at Stratford depot, and then to March depot. Originally built with a Mirrless JVS12T engine, however, the type suffered in the early years with cracking, and British Rail decided to replace all of the engines with an English Electric 12SVT engine rated at 1470 hp. D5634 received its new engine in May 1968, along with the BR corporate blue livery and in 1973 was allocated to Finsbury Park. March 1974 saw the introduction of the TOPS system (Total Operations Processing System) which gave all locomotive a five-character number (the first two numbers indicating the Class), and from then on D5634 became 31210. In 1976 31210 moved to Bristol Bath Road on the Western Region. 31210 worked its last passenger train on 9th September 1990, which was a Carlisle to Cleethorpes charter train, and by the Autumn of 1991 was stored unserviceable and officially withdrawn in February 1992. After a lengthy overhaul at several locations, 2026 will see 31210 once again active, and we are delighted to be one of the first locations for this locomotive to be operating since 1991. More visitors to be announced!
Summer Gala Saturday 18 July and Sunday 19 July 2026 We're celebrating the smallest locomotives in our home-fleet and extra special (and very little) visiting locomotives this summer! What to expect at the Summer Gala? Our weekend rail-fest will feature both guest and home-fleet locomotives operating a busy timetable between Kidderminster and Bridgnorth. If you love steam, diesel and something a little bit different, 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! Download the timetable to start planning your visit. In addition to the 'big trains', Kidderminster Station will host 'little trains' with a live-steam Gauge 1 model railway, running throughout the weekend. Our first guest locomotive has been announced as Kerr Stuart 'Witch' class locomotive No 4388. Built in 1926 by Kerr, Stuart & Company, this distinctive locomotive features an unusual design with outside cylinders, no front footplate and a notably small saddle tank. Our thanks to Jack Dibnah and the Foxfield Railway, as well as Footplate of Kidderminster for sponsoring the road-haulage. Our second guest locomotive joining the line-up is Neilson & Co No 2937, a fascinating industrial steam locomotive with a rich heritage stretching back to the Victorian era. We're grateful to Keith Sergeant and the Chasewater Railway for the loan of the locomotive. Our third and final guest for the Summer Gala is Hunslet Locomotive No. 3783 'Hollybank No 3' and we're grateful to Chasewater Railway for the loan of the locomotive. Plus, we hope to welcome Class 07 D2996 into service, following its recent arrival. Stars of the show: Kerr Stuart 4388 - rare 'Witch' class locomotive Neilson & Co No 2937 - 1882-built locomotive Hunslet No. 3783 'Hollybank No 3' GWR 813 GWR 7714 Class 07 D2996 Class 09 09107 Class 14 D9551 Class 17 D8568 Class 20 20048 Class 101 DMU
Ale on the Rails July 18 - July 19 2026 Join us at Midland Railway - Butterley on Saturday 18th & Sunday 19th July 2026 for our 'Ale on the Rails event! This weekend will feature both steam and diesel locomotives from our home fleet alongside visiting locomotives. Alongside this, the railway will feature a beer festival supported by TomSaid micropub once again, Steam/Diesel on the Golden Valley Light Railway, Bus rides around our heritage site, Diesel Roller can crush, Road Transport displays, West Shed experience, Butterley Park miniature railway, Road steam display, live band, food vendors & Rail vehicles from our historical collection outside on display. This weekend will see our BR Mark1 coaches. We also hope to use BR Mark3 carriages on service trains and will be accompanied by our Mark1 Brake/Goods vehicle in its BR Blue 'Newspapers' livery!
Train, Track and Trolley Weekend Saturday 18 July and Sunday 19 July 2026 A unique opportunity to get up close to our fleet of Permanent Way Vehicles This two day gala will feature: A mix of freight and Permanent Way demonstration runs Public passenger service hauled by PWM651 Engineering train rides along the Northern extension Wickham Trolley rides PLUS other exciting rail related exhibitions
Summer Gala Saturday 18 July and Sunday 19 July 2026 We're celebrating the smallest locomotives in our home-fleet and extra special (and very little) visiting locomotives this summer! What to expect at the Summer Gala? Our weekend rail-fest will feature both guest and home-fleet locomotives operating a busy timetable between Kidderminster and Bridgnorth. If you love steam, diesel and something a little bit different, 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! Download the timetable to start planning your visit. In addition to the 'big trains', Kidderminster Station will host 'little trains' with a live-steam Gauge 1 model railway, running throughout the weekend. Our first guest locomotive has been announced as Kerr Stuart 'Witch' class locomotive No 4388. Built in 1926 by Kerr, Stuart & Company, this distinctive locomotive features an unusual design with outside cylinders, no front footplate and a notably small saddle tank. Our thanks to Jack Dibnah and the Foxfield Railway, as well as Footplate of Kidderminster for sponsoring the road-haulage. Our second guest locomotive joining the line-up is Neilson & Co No 2937, a fascinating industrial steam locomotive with a rich heritage stretching back to the Victorian era. We're grateful to Keith Sergeant and the Chasewater Railway for the loan of the locomotive. Our third and final guest for the Summer Gala is Hunslet Locomotive No. 3783 'Hollybank No 3' and we're grateful to Chasewater Railway for the loan of the locomotive. Plus, we hope to welcome Class 07 D2996 into service, following its recent arrival. Stars of the show: Kerr Stuart 4388 - rare 'Witch' class locomotive Neilson & Co No 2937 - 1882-built locomotive Hunslet No. 3783 'Hollybank No 3' GWR 813 GWR 7714 Class 07 D2996 Class 09 09107 Class 14 D9551 Class 17 D8568 Class 20 20048 Class 101 DMU
Train, Track and Trolley Weekend Saturday 18 July and Sunday 19 July 2026 A unique opportunity to get up close to our fleet of Permanent Way Vehicles This two day gala will feature: A mix of freight and Permanent Way demonstration runs Public passenger service hauled by PWM651 Engineering train rides along the Northern extension Wickham Trolley rides PLUS other exciting rail related exhibitions
Ale on the Rails July 18 - July 19 2026 Join us at Midland Railway - Butterley on Saturday 18th & Sunday 19th July 2026 for our 'Ale on the Rails event! This weekend will feature both steam and diesel locomotives from our home fleet alongside visiting locomotives. Alongside this, the railway will feature a beer festival supported by TomSaid micropub once again, Steam/Diesel on the Golden Valley Light Railway, Bus rides around our heritage site, Diesel Roller can crush, Road Transport displays, West Shed experience, Butterley Park miniature railway, Road steam display, live band, food vendors & Rail vehicles from our historical collection outside on display. This weekend will see our BR Mark1 coaches. We also hope to use BR Mark3 carriages on service trains and will be accompanied by our Mark1 Brake/Goods vehicle in its BR Blue 'Newspapers' livery!
Diesel Gala Friday 24 July 2026 Derwent Valley Light Railway Diesel Gala (18:00-21:00) The following locos are expected to work: 03079, D2245 and 08528.
The Citadel Circle Saturday 25 July 2026 125 Group are pleased to announce that we will be taking our HST to Carlisle on Saturday 25th July 2026. Working with our good friends at Retro Railtours, who will manage all aspects of the bookings on our behalf, 'The Citadel Circle' will operate as follows (ALL TIMINGS ARE APPROXIMATE UNTIL CONFIRMED BY NETWORK RAIL): Outbound - Departs Manchester Victoria - 0700 Crewe - 0815 Derby - 0930 Chesterfield - 0950 Sheffield - 1010 York - 1110 Carlisle - 1330 Return - Departs Carlisle - 1600 Crewe - 1800 Derby - 1930 Chesterfield - 1950 Sheffield - 2010 Wakefield Kirkgate - 2040 Manchester Victoria - 2145 The train will then travel north on the East Coast Main Line and should demonstrate its full speed capability before taking the spur from Low Fell to Norwood Junction for a more leisurely run across the Tyne Valley via Haltwhistle to Carlisle for a break. The return will be via the West Coast mainline direct to Crewe (with connections for Manchester available - these are NOT included in the fare), before completing the circle for everyone by retracing our steps to set down at Stoke, Derby Chesterfield and Sheffield. Our final set down will be at Wakefield Kirkgate. First Class and Standard class seating will be available on board and a counter service buffet serving hot and cold food and drinks will be available throughout. We look forward to welcoming you aboard 'The Citadel Circle' on the 25th July.
Return to Sharpness 31 July - 2 August 2026 Your chance to be a pioneer passenger on the Sharpness Branch! Sharpness Sports and Social Club, The Docks, Sharpness, Berkeley GL13 9UN, UK About the event 150 years ago eager travellers boarded the first passenger train to Sharpness. To celebrate this anniversary, the Vale of Berkeley Railway is running special train services on the Sharpness branch on 31st July, 1st August and 2nd August 2026. This is your chance to be a railway pioneer - one of the first people to ride the Sharpness branch, over 60 years after the line closed to passengers. As well as reliving history, you'll also be supporting the Vale of Berkeley Railway; this is a crucial fundraising event for us, as we work to improve our facilities at Oldminster Sidings and establish the VoBR as a significant asset and focal point for the Sharpness community. Your journey on our Class 143 Pacer train starts at our Oldminster Sidings base at Sharpness, passes the site of the former Berkeley Station and continues towards Berkeley Road junction, then returns to Sharpness. During the trip, a narrator will tell the story of the branch and the Pacer trains. As an extra attraction, you can be a Driver for a Fiver on our Planet diesel shunter at Oldminster Sidings. Read on for more details about Return to Sharpness. Tickets are limited! Book here FAQs How much does a ticket cost? A ticket for one return trip is £20 for adults /£10 for children (4-15), plus a booking fee. Children under 4 travel free. Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. How long does the Return to Sharpness journey last? The journey lasts for about 45 minutes. There are no station stops during the trip, apart from boarding and disembarking at Oldminster Sidings. Arriving by car. Free parking is available at the Sharpness Sports and Social Club GL13 9UN what3words: ///interview.sports.sharpness Our free shuttle bus will take you to and from Oldminster Sidings. Important: no parking is permitted at Oldminster Sidings or anywhere else in the Dock area. Arriving by cycle. Please bring a bicycle lock with you and secure your bike at the Sharpness Sports and Social Club when you arrive. Important: cycles cannot be left at Oldminster Sidings or anywhere else in the Dock area. Can I get there by public transport? Yes. To encourage people to leave their cars at home and arrive by train, we're providing a free scheduled bus service from Cam & Dursley railway station to Oldminster Sidings, timed to connect with train services from Gloucester and Bristol. It will also pick up enroute at Cam Pitch and Berkeley High Street. This free bus service is exclusively for Return to Sharpness ticket holders. Where do I catch this bus service? Please make sure you are on time as the bus is scheduled and won't be able to wait. See below for the bus and train timetable. ? At Cam & Dursley station the bus will be at the exit from the platforms and will be clearly marked in the front window "Return to Sharpness". ? At Cam Pitch, pick up will be at the bus stop at the junction with Fairmead. ? At Berkeley Market Place it will be outside Ye Olde Shoppe. It will drop off at the same locations on the return journey . Return to Sharpness bus & train timetable .pdf Download PDF ? 236KB When should I arrive? Please make sure you arrive at the Sharpness Sports and Social Club 30 mins before your booked Return to Sharpness train, to allow time for checking in. Shortly before your Return to Sharpness train is due, our free shuttle bus will take you to Oldminster Sidings (please don't walk or cycle to the Sidings). After your journey the bus will bring you back to the Club. Do I have to book or can I just turn up? Travel on the Return to Sharpness train must be booked and your ticket(s) will be checked before you board. Tickets will be available soon - please check back regularly on this page. You can also check on the Vale of Berkeley Railway Facebook page, where we'll announce when they're available. I have limited mobility; will I be able to attend? There is level ground and ramp access to the train and each service will have spaces for 4 wheelchairs (please add the Wheelchair accessible space when booking). If you are arriving by car, you can be dropped off at Oldminster Sidings and the park nearby. If you have any further questions please email us at events@vobr.org.uk Can I bring my mobility scooter? Sorry, we are unable to accommodate mobility scooters. Are dogs permitted? Guide and support dogs are welcome, please let us know when booking. We are unable to accommodate other dogs. Are toilets available on the train? No, to meet current regulations the train toilets cannot be used. What is the Driver for a Fiver experience? Two Drivers for a Fiver will travel in the cab of our Planet diesel and under supervision, each will have the opportunity to drive the loco a short distance up and down the Sidings. The experience will last 10 - 15 minutes. You will need to be 18 or over with eyesight good enough to pass a UK driving test and must be able to climb up vertical steps into the locomotive unaided from ground level (approximately 2m vertical climb). Are refreshments available? Food and drink will be available at the Sharpness Sports and Social Club each day. What else can I do at the Club? While you're at the Club you can also enjoy our Sharpness branch exhibition, browse our VoBR stand, chat to our volunteers and even join us as a VoBR member! Why is the VoBR's Return to Sharpness event happening now? It's to commemorate 150 years since the first passengers travelled on the Sharpness on 1st August 1876. It also celebrates achieving our long wished-for dream, to run our own trains on the branch so passengers can enjoy the experience for the first time in over 60 years. And by raising funds to make major improvements at Oldminster Sidings, it will support the VoBR's aim to educate and entertain visitors, explaining how railways played an important role at the heart of the Sharpness community.