Great Central Railway - Winter Steam Gala

Kickstart the New Year with our Annual Winter Steam Gala! Running from 22–25 January, this action-packed four-day event features an intensive timetable of both passenger and goods trains, plus a line-up of special guest locomotives.

We're excited to confirm that BR 9F No. 92134 is our first guest for the gala. Join us for a run behind the only single-chimney 9F on the UK's only double-track heritage main line, steaming through the frosty Charnwood countryside — a brilliant way to start the year.

The second guest locomotive that will be joining us for the gala is Austerity 3809/18, this locomotive has been in preservation since 1988 and is returning to GCR after being at the North Norfolk Railway for the last 2 years – so make sure you attend to give it a warm welcome back!

The third and final guest locomotive is Southern Railway Bulleid Battle of Britain class No. 34072 257 Squadron, appearing with thanks to Swanage Railway and Southern Locomotives Limited (SLL).

Our goods trains will be a big part of the Winter Steam Gala, with the Windcutter running throughout the event. The 9Fs were well known for hauling Windcutters on the Great Central Railway, so seeing one at work on our double-track main line will be like stepping back in time. Alongside the Windcutter, we'll have other goods trains running across the four days, adding plenty of variety to the timetable.

Our guest locomotives will be joined by a strong supporting cast from our home fleet, for a full steam ahead Winter Steam Gala.

With an intensive service throughout the weekend and the chance to explore all our beautifully restored stations, it's a steam-powered weekend for enthusiasts and families alike.

More information: https://www.gcrailway.co.uk/visit/events/20260122-winter-steam-gala/