THE SEVERN Valley Railway will host its Winter Steam Gala this weekend to kick off its 2025 season.
This is the popular attraction’s 60th anniversary year so the first event of the new year is set to be a special one.
The Winter Steam Gala will feature a collection of majestic steam locomotives operating a busy timetable – it is the place to be for lovers of the steam railway.
People can ride behind as many engines as you can, visit The Engine House at Highley to break your day, and sample the finest real-ales in our pubs.
Perfect for those young and old, experience the Severn Valley at its steamiest!
The stars of the show include the GWR Auto Tank 1450 – returning after overhaul, LMS Stanier Mogul 13268, BR Standard 75069, GWR 4930 Hagley Hall, GWR 7812 Erlestoke Manor and the GWR Pannier Tank 7714.
The Schedule
Saturday (January 4)
Trains from 9.25am until 10.00pm, with 11 departures from each end of the line, including 1450 and 7714 double-heading and an evening special hauled by 7812 Erlestoke Manor.
Kidderminster Railway Museum will be hosting a Railway Photograph Fair, in the adjacent (ex-Nursery) building, on the entrance drive to the SVR car park at the rear of the museum. Thousands of photographs for sale, plus Kidderminster Railway Museum’s own photograph archive will also be available (10am to 4.30pm).
Sunday (January 5)
Trains from 9.15am until 7.45pm, with nine departures from each end of the line, including 1450 and 7714 double-heading.
All trains will work the full length of the line between Kidderminster and Bridgnorth.
At The Engine House, we’ll have a model railway of Arley Station, The A1 Steam Locomotive Trust and railway artist Ben Powell.
A spokesperson for the Severn Valley Railway said: “We’ve joined forces with the Heritage Railway Associating for the Big Railway 200 Get Together.
“The aim of the event is to bring together the largest group of heritage railway people – possibly the biggest ever!
“The get together will include a once in a lifetime photographic opportunity with the assembled volunteers at The Engine House in Highley at 2.30pm on Sunday.
“It will also give a great chance to network with colleagues from other railways and discuss the opportunities presented by Railway 200. HRA Inter-Rail passes will be valid for discounted tickets on Sunday only.”
Click here for more on the Winter Steam Gala 2025, along with how to book tickets.
Despite the weather forecast, activities on both days are planned to go ahead. Visitors are, however, urged to allow more time to get to the venue
