Media centre

Wednesday 5 Feb 2025

Railway 200 Events Update

Railway 200 marks the bicentenary of the first passenger railway journey on the Stockton & Darlington Railway in 1825.

So far, over 200 events celebrating the past, present and future of the railway have been scheduled across Britain over the coming year. More events are being added to Railway 200's website every week.

The following is a list of events and booking opportunities in February and March which may be of interest your readers.

08/02/25
Evesham Walking Festival - Bookings from February 2025.
As part of the 'Railway 200' celebrations Evesham Welcomes Walkers has included four railway themed walks in its annual Walking Festival:

25 June: 'Winchcombe Steam' - 10 mile walk from Broadway to Winchcombe, return by steam train.

26 June: 'Rail Trail' - 6 mile walk from Worcestershire Parkway to Pershore, return by train.

27 June: 'Rail Trail' - train from Evesham to Pershore, 9 mile walk return.
28 June: 'Rail Trail' - 8 mile walk from Evesham to Honeybourne, return by train.

All walks and booking details can be found here.

 

08/02/25
The Capital Highlander rail tour from Carlisle and Scottish stations to Inverness

Celebrate the achievements of our railways in the past 200 years by travelling via the highest mainline railway summit in Britain - at Drumochter - and the only UNESCO World Heritage Site designated specifically to a railway structure - the Forth Bridge.

Operated by Scottish Railway Preservation Society Rail tours, Britain’s oldest rail tour operator which celebrates 55 years of rail tour operation in 2025.

Pickup and set down stations are Carlisle, Lockerbie, Motherwell, Cumbernauld, Larbert and Perth. Hauled by class 37/4s, 37403 in Large Logo livery (which was part of the everyday scene in the late 1980’s around Scotland) and with 37401 as teaser to what it could have been if ScotRail colours were used on the 37/4 fleet.

Perth to Inverness. The ‘Highland Line’ is renowned for its scenic beauty, passing through some of Scotland's most picturesque and dramatic landscapes. Highlights including Pass of Killiecrankie, a Historic Site, known for the Battle of Killiecrankie and its stunning gorge; Blair Atholl the Gateway to the Highlands is the start of the climb to Drumochter Summit. At 1,484 feet, it's the highest point on the main British railway network, offering breath-taking views. We then drop down to Kingussie, run alongside Loch Insh before reaching Aviemore where you can leave the train. Leaving Aviemore we start the climb up to Slochd Summit before dropping down to Culloden, site of the Battle of Culloden. Our final destination is Inverness, Capital of the Highlands, a vibrant city with rich history and culture.

Find out more here.

 

10/02/25
Railweek – Birmingham New Street Station Pop-up stall
Young Rail Professionals

Join us at our interactive pop-up stall hosted by the Young Rail Professionals West Midlands. We’re setting up a pop-up stall at Birmingham New Street station, offering a unique opportunity for commuters, rail enthusiasts, and the general public. We will be handing out informative activity packs and distributing fun freebies. Come, learn about the rail industry, and take home some exciting goodies!

Date: 10th February 2025

Time: 5:30pm - 7:30pm

Whether you’re curious about a career in rail, or simply interested in learning more about the different opportunities in rail, our pop-up stall promises to be an enlightening experience.

Find out more here.

 

11/02/25
Railweek (Wales) – Rail Careers Fair
Young Rail Professionals

Discover your future career in rail with employers from across the industry, including Transport for Wales, Network Rail, planning and engineering consultancies, construction firms and more.

The rail industry offers a huge range of careers from social policy and planning to engineering and construction, with so many other roles such as project management and public communications in between…not to mention driving trains!

Speak to potential employers about the role they play in shaping the rail network and find out about what really goes on behind the scenes in an industry whose role is only getting more important in contributing towards a sustainable future.

A schools-only hour will take place from 11am, with doors opening to young people interested in a career in rail from 12pm.

Find out more here.

 

11/02/25
Bahamas: The Story of a Steam Locomotive

The Friends of the Keighley & Worth Valley Railway (KWVR) is a registered charity (Charity No: 1032933). We fundraise via bequests, legacies & donations to support the work of the KWVR. In 2024, 'The Friends' contributed to restoring class 25 diesel 25059, the Bridge 27 renewal at Haworth & further work to the much-loved steam loco WD 90733.

The online webinars spotlight the (often unseen) work of the volunteers operating the KWVR and allow us to learn from colleagues at sister railway heritage charities. They appeal to anyone interested in rail heritage, irrespective of geography and are available for a donation. In the spirit of Railway 200, The Friends of the KWVR are keen to share the untold stories of rail preservation, spreading the news of the great work undertaken by the hardworking teams who keep the wheels turning.

On Tuesday February 11th, at 7.30 pm, join Pete Skellon from the Bahamas Locomotive Society as he tells the fascinating story of Jubilee class steam locomotive 'Bahamas'. From construction in 1934 to preservation, 45596 has remained one of the most loved steam engines in the UK. Pete will guide us through the history of the locomotive and the people involved in its working lives.
Find out more here.

 

12/02/25
Railweek – Wales x Railway 200
Young Rail Professionals

As part of YRP’s Rail Week, YRP Wales are celebrating the start of Railway 200 with a seminar at Cardiff University’s historic Glamorgan Building.

Join us for an evening with three guest speakers, which will then be followed by a cold finger buffet for reflection and networking opportunities to see out the rest of the evening.

Dr Louise Moon, Heritage & Sustainable Impact Manager at Transport for Wales will talk about what TfW is doing in the heritage space.

James Bennett, Timetable and Stabling Scenario Manager at Transport for Wales and YRP's Annual Dinner Lead, will cover the legacy of the railways in Wales.

Colin Lea, Planning and Performance Director at TfW Rail, will speak about the challenges the Railway Heritage Designation Board face in the preservation of railway heritage in the modern day.

Doors at 6pm for a 6:30pm start. Food will be served at approx. 8pm.

Find out more here.

 

13/02/25
Celebrating the 174th anniversary of the opening of Rye station (Southeast Communities Rail Partnership)

Please join us in celebrating the 174th anniversary of the opening of Rye station and the start of the Marshlink line (on 13 February 1851).

Where: Rye station waiting room
When: Thursday 13 February 2025
At: 11am

Refreshments will be provided.

 

14/02/25
Network Rail

Celebrate Valentines Day and receive a Railway 200 themed chocolate heart at:

Guildford Station
Clapham Junction Station
Cannon Street Station
Charing Cross Station
Waterloo Station
London Bridge Station
Victoria Station

 

15/02/25
Railweek (Wales) – Cardiff Central Pop-up Stall
Join Young Rail Professionals Wales at Cardiff Central!

Mark your calendars for February 15th and visit our pop-up stand at Cardiff Central Station. Discover the fascinating world of railways with resources for all ages and enjoy some fun freebies!

Whether you’re passionate about a career in rail, curious about its importance, or just want to say hi, we’d love to see you there. Bring your unique perspective and join the conversation!

Cardiff Central Station Central Square Cardiff CF10 1EP Main Concourse (Door 4 near help desk)

Times: 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM

Find out more here.

 

15/02/25
The Night Shift
Experience an Unforgettable Night at Peak Rail

Step back in time and immerse yourself in the magic of the past whilst we celebrate the 200th anniversary of the railways, with a unique combination of nostalgia, live entertainment, and authentic railway experiences. Here's what you can expect:

- A Wide Selection of Ales and Beers: Enjoy a diverse range of local ales and craft beers to accompany your evening.
- Live Music: Listen to live performances that perfectly complement the ambiance, enhancing your railway adventure.
- Nostalgic Railway at Night: Witness the charm of a vintage railway coming to life in the dark. Bardic and paraffin lamps cast a warm glow, while signal boxes, crossings, and stations are lit up to recreate the 1960s atmosphere.
- Freight Runs in the Dark: Experience the thrill of seeing freight trains running under the night sky.
- Brake Van Rides with Lit Stoves: Take a ride in a traditional brake van, complete with a glowing stove, and get a sense of what it was like to be a guard on a steam hauled freight train in the 1960s. (Supplement payable)
- Steam Locomotives Come Alive: Watch steam locomotives bring the sounds and sights of a bygone era to life under the Derbyshire night sky.

Find out more here.

 

16/02/25
Sunday Station Stand (London Bridge)

Young Rail Professionals are hosting a stand at London Bridge station to hand out railway-based activity packs for young people with the aim to promote careers in the railway as part of our national initiative – Rail Week.

There are activity books and YRP pencil packs available!

So, please feel free to drop by and show your support!
Location: London Bridge Station Unpaid Side, Lower Concourse, Glass Barrier, Between Gatelines (Opposite Pret)

Start time: 10:00-12:00

Find out more here.

 

18/02/25
Trevithick Heritage Day – Free Rock Painting Workshop

The Three Valleys Community Rail Partnership are pleased to invite you to attend a free session at Taff Rocks, working with both Taff Rocks and Invest Local Ynysowen as part of the Wales and borders Railway 200 programme taking place across 2025

We were ahead of the game in Merthyr - to celebrate the world’s first railway journey in 1804 by Richard Trevithick, on the 21st February 2025, the Three Valleys Community Rail Partnership are holding a walk about the local history of railways in the area.

We would love you to come along to the community session in Aberfan on Tuesday 18th February 2025 and paint some themed rocks with us. These will then be shared out in Merthyr on the 21st February and along the Trevithick Trail as part of the celebration.

Find out more here.

 

18/02/25
Rail Open Day for Girls & Women

The Railway is for everyone, and as we celebrate 200 years of railway history, Colas Rail UK will be opening their doors to girls and women to showcase the variety of jobs and career paths in our business. We would like to encourage students and career returners to explore careers they may not have thought of before which will open their eyes to the job possibilities in the future.

We will be sharing the important work we are doing to keep the railway moving into the future and we will ask you to participate in activities to explore how things work. You will meet many women who carry out different roles in our business so you can hear about their varied jobs and ask them questions.

While you are with us we will make sure you get a panoramic view of the Old Oak Common worksite so you can see the scale of work that is taking place.

Find out more here.

 

20/02/25
Winter Gala and Dark Ales Festival
Isle of Wight Steam Railway

New for 2025 is our Winter Gala and Dark Ales Festival. Kicking off the season, this new four day launches events that celebrate Railway 200, the 150th anniversary of our line (Ryde and Newport Railway) and the 100th year on the Island for our iconic flagship loco ‘Calbourne’.

The event will run from 20-23 February and will provide the stage for the appearance of a variety of newly overhauled, built and generally unseen locomotives.

Find out more here.

 

20/02/25
Rail Open Day for Girls & Women – 20 February 2025

The Railway is for everyone, and as we celebrate 200 years of railway history, Colas Rail UK will be opening their doors to girls and women to showcase the variety of jobs and career paths in our business. We would like to encourage students and career returners to explore careers they may not have thought of before which will open their eyes to the job possibilities in the future.

We will be sharing the important work we are doing to keep the railway moving into the future and we will ask you to participate in activities to explore how things work. You will meet many women who carry out different roles in our business so you can hear about their varied jobs and ask them questions.

Find out more here.

 

21/02/25
1825 and all that!

The 2025 Temporary Exhibition in the Narrow Gauge Railway Museum in Tywyn will mark the 200th anniversary of the Stockton & Darlington Railway with a display showing that the history of narrow-gauge railways is just as long lived, with the hopes of the original promoters fulfilled or dashed; reflecting the fortunes of the industries they served. Narrow gauge lines were equally involved in promoting engineering innovation from the beginning of the 19th Century. The Museum is open whenever trains are running on the Talyllyn Railway from February to November 2025.

Find out more here.

 

25/02/25
Railway 200 poetry and prose project

The Watercress Line heritage railway in Hampshire is inviting poets and wordsmiths to mark 2025 as the 200th anniversary of train travel in the UK by using the www.railway200.co.uk/timeline on the official Railway 200 website as inspiration for their works.

These themes can be used as inspiration to create their own works of poetry and prose. Everyone will be able to submit 2 pieces which will then be included in an anthology of works next may. A copy of the anthology will be available to view on the watercress line website later in 2025. All works submitted will be included within the collection, works submitted must be your own work and a maximum of 1 side of A4 and can be any type of poetry.

Closing date for works is 25th February 2025, works can be any type of poetry but must be inspired by the railway 200 anniversary and themes on the railway 200 timeline and must be emailed to education@watercressline.co.uk for inclusion.

 

27/02/25
Hiraeth – Belonging Across Borders
3 Counties Connected Community Rail Partnership

An Exhibition of memories and aural stories displayed of local community’s railway experiences and stories in this celebratory year of 200 years of the railway showcasing the Hiraeth Project. The artist will be delivering a printing session throughout the day for visitors to take part in.

Find out more here.

 

27/02/25
Northumberland Line: Delivering Sustainable Transport

This presentation will explain the journey that the Northumberland Line has been on, from early business case and demand studies, through to the line re-opening on 15 December 2024. The presenters will share their experiences of how various challenges were overcome to deliver a transformational outcome for the communities in South East Northumberland. The presentation will include:

- An introduction to the project, its history and the overall outcomes that it aimed to achieve.
- How the project has been developed, and the ultimate delivery model.
- The development of the design and considerations linking to local communities and stakeholder requirements.
- Specific technical challenges that have been overcome, including the approach to addressing legacy mine workings.
- Details of the construction approach and how local communities were impacted and engaged throughout the construction delivery.
- Wider benefits and additional social value generated by the project.
- Commissioning and entry into service and the next stages of the project.

It will be presented by Simon Middleton, Director, Rail Eastern, AECOM, and Tony Lloyd, Project Manager, Morgan Sindall.

This seminar is hosted by the Railway Civil Engineers Association. The RCEA advances professional development and knowledge in railway engineering, including main lines, metros, and light rail.
Find out more here.

 

27/02/25
Railway Children Station Sleepout

Railway Children is a charity working across India, Tanzania and the UK to help vulnerable children at risk on the streets and across transport networks to rewrite their future. Railways are a real magnet for children in crisis, providing a place of safety or escape so we work closely with the rail industry to make sure children who are drawn to stations and tracks are protected and supported to live a happier future.

The Railway Children Sleepout is a great way for people to make a difference in the lives of vulnerable children around the world. Gather your friends, family or colleagues and sign up as a team to take on the challenge of sleeping out on a cold, hard railway station floor for just one night, all while raising funds and awareness for Railway Children.

Over £750,000 has been raised in the last five years from the #BigStationSleepout and we're so proud of this incredible achievement. In March 2024, 450 people took part at railway stations across the UK. A

You'll have to be prepared for a cold, uncomfortable night but you will at least have a roof over your head, warm food and drink, and the companionship of your friends and colleagues. This event won't replicate the situations faced by the children we work with, but it will raise awareness of the issues and difficulties they face. We know that the more we can do that, the more we can do together to make a difference.

Find out more here.

 

28/02/25
Boogie Lights Express

BRAND NEW FOR 2025, join the Severn Valley Railway for a night to remember! It's our 60th anniversary and Railway 200, so we've got plenty of reasons to celebrate!

The Boogie Lights Express is an incredible sound and light show on and in a steam train, consisting of thousands of coloured LED lights and LED wristbands, creating a kaleidoscope of different colours and flashing patterns. This makes the steam train look magical both inside and out!

Featuring a soundtrack of iconic tunes spanning the 1960s to present day, including pop favourites from Queen, Michael Jackson, Rihanna and Taylor Swift, as well as sing-along cheesy classics and crowd-pleasing dance anthems.

Marvel at the ‘Canopy of Lights’ in every carriage, bringing the light show inside the train. Enjoy the fun, interactive show all while hosted by the legendary ‘Voiceover Man’ (as heard on Britain’s Got Talent and X-Factor); laugh with him (or at him) and compete against each other with the singalong “FlashyOke” game.

Be part of the show, with your very own LED wristband, adding to the magic on-board the train, and is yours to keep after the event. The LED wristbands, which synchronise with the music on board the train and the sparkling ‘canopy of lights’ in every carriage, means you're part of the show, making it it impossible to stay seated!

Sing, dance and cheer on this musical party train – perfect for a night out with friends and family.

Find out more here.

 

04/03/25
Cleethorpes Railway Heritage Art Project
Barton Cleethorpes Community Rail Partnership

We are proud to be part of Railway 200 as we celebrate the 200th anniversary of the modern railway. Come and join us to celebrate all things railway related in 2025.

We are commissioning an artist to work with the community to install a mural inside the waiting room/ticket office at Cleethorpes Railway Station. The mural will be designed in workshops and commemorate Railway 200 and the heritage of the railway.

We’ve got lots of exciting events and activities throughout the year and we’ll be adding new activities and events in the coming months, so keep an eye on our social media and the Railway 200 events page. Scroll down for more information now.

Find out more here.

 

06/03/25
Bath Railway Society, Talk by Dr Michael Bailey MBE on LOCOMOTION and the Stockton & Darlington Railway

The Bath Railway Society meeting on Thursday 6 March 2025 at 7.30 at the Museum of Bath at Work will be an illustrated talk by Michael Bailey on the story of locomotive LOCOMOTION used at the opening of the Stockton & Darlington Railway, followed by the history of the Stockton & Darlington Railway.

Michael Bailey is President of the Stephenson Locomotive Society, a historian and archaeologist of early railway and locomotive technology, and has written many books and learned papers on the subject.

Find out more here.

 

06/03/25
Discover Ramadan Railway 200

The Discover Ramadan Iftar Event, hosted by Muslims in Rail CIC at the London Muslim Centre, is an inspiring initiative designed to bring together the diverse workforce of the railway industry, irrespective of faith or no faith, to experience the holy month of Ramadan in a mosque setting. This unique gathering offers an excellent opportunity for networking while celebrating the remarkable milestone of 200 years of railways. The evening will feature enlightening speeches by distinguished speakers, highlighting the pivotal role of the railway in connecting communities and fostering inclusivity. Attendees will also enjoy a guided mosque tour, providing a deeper understanding of Islamic traditions and practices.

Dress Code: Please adhere to a formal casual dress code in respect of the mosque setting. Scarves will be provided for those who wish to observe prayers in the main hall.

Venue Details: London Muslim Centre, East London Mosque, 82–92 Whitechapel Road, London E1 1JQ

Date: 6 March 2025

Registration: 4:30 pm

Event Start: 5:00 pm

Dinner (Iftar): Served at sunset (exact time to be confirmed).

This event welcomes executives from both the public and private sectors, underscoring the importance of collaboration and unity within the railway family. It celebrates cultural diversity while strengthening professional relationships, aligning with the values of respect, understanding, and community building.

Find out more here.

 

07/03/25
Talk by SLS President Dr Michael Bailey on LOCOMOTION and the Stockton & Darlington Railway 200
The Railway Correspondence & Travel Society, Bristol Branch

The RCTS Bristol meeting on Friday 7 March at 7.30 will be an llustrated talk by Dr Michael Bailey MBE on the story of locomotive LOCOMOTION used at the opening of the Stockton & Darlington Railway, followed by the history of the Stockton & Darlington Railway.

Dr Michael Bailey MBE is a historian and archaeologist of early railway and locomotive technology, and has written many books and learned papers on the subject.

Find out more here.

 

08/03/25
Statfold Country Park: Spectacle of Steam

At this event, you can see more working steam locomotives in one hour than anywhere else in the UK. Our Statfold Barn Railway and Museum has one of the largest collections of rare, unique and historic locomotives from around the world.

Over the weekend, we will be running as many locomotives as possible! Our full locomotive line-up will be revealed soon, but you can be assured that there will be a variety from the collection on both our mainline and light railway. Don’t miss out on visiting the stations to see the swapping of locomotives and the engines being turned on the turntables.

Whilst here, you can experience full lineside access within 30 minutes walking distance from the main station, see locomotives on 3 different gauges of railway, explore fierce gradients and tight corners and more. Little ones can also enjoy a range of family activities.

This event celebrates both 200 years of the railway and 20 years of Statfold Barn Railway!

Find out more here.

 

08/03/25
A women’s place…in railway history – Guided Walk (Ashford)
Tales from the Tracks walking tours

Join our dedicated whistle-stop tour through the female side of Ashford's railway history. Often overlooked, women played many roles within the 200 years of railways. Discover why women were so important to the South Eastern Railways decision to build its works at Ashford, when and who the first women to enter the works were and the vital role women played during times of national conflict. Tales of endurance, bravery and tadpoles in the sink! Hosted by Ann (a railway historian and Ashford native) this 30-minute walking tour takes in the areas of Ashford’s railway village most associated with women’s history. Themes include women’s roles, gender equality, female education and elements of railway history from the 1840s to 1945.

Find out more here.

 

11/03/25
Railway 200 at Aston University: Launch event- Birmingham Railway Histories in Context

“Railway 200 at Aston University” is an exciting series of events over the year, celebrating the railways’ past present and future. Run by the university's history, literature and transport teams, this series of stimulating and varied talks will explore aspects of railway history, highlight the role Aston has played and continues to play in training future railways professionals, will showcase some of our exciting research on railways, and will demonstrate how Aston University is an exciting place to study history and transport. At our launch event, we will have three speakers exploring different dimensions of railway history:

Dr David Turner (Aston University): funding and directing Birmingham’s early nineteenth century main line railways.

Prof Felix Schmid (Professor emeritus of Railway Systems Engineering at the University of Birmingham): Building the first London to Birmingham Railway.

Jenny Vince (Independent Scholar): Hidden Histories; Painful Truths - Celebrating Women of the Railway

Find out more here.

 

13/03/25
All to Build a Railway – Online sing to celebrate 200 years of railways

A free online event open to all singers who would like to sing a song in celebration of 200 years of railways. The proposed date is Thursday 13 March 2025 starting 8pm UK/Ireland time. The event will also be open to anyone who would like to join to listen. The event will be co-hosted by Linn Phipps and Geoff Convery, who are experienced hosts and co-hosts of in-person and zoom singing sessions and one-off events (including regular zoom sings, Themed Shanty Big Sings, World Whale Day sings etc.)

Linn’s background is in rail heavy freight and passenger, and her passion now is singing traditional songs in Gaelic and English. Geoff has worked in a variety of areas but mostly in steel and local authority IT. He was also half of a singer-songwriter duo and wrote a song about the initial construction of British railways.

Please contact us on railway200sing@gmail.com for more details and how to ask for the event zoom link. We plan to record the event for uploading Youtube. However, if anyone would prefer not to be recorded we can pause the video to listen to their song. We look forward to welcoming you and hearing your contribution!

 

14/03/25
Legends of Steam with ‘Tornado’

East Lancashire Railway’s celebration of Railway 200 continues thanks to legendary locomotives with film and royal connections.

Climb aboard for the first large scale steam event of the year. This is your chance to ride up and down the line behind a strong line-up of express steam locomotives.

An intensive timetable is planned for this extended weekend, with dining options featuring ‘Tornado’ on the Saturday night, whilst the Friday night features an authentic ‘Golden Arrow’ menu, hauled by one of the Southern locomotives.

Find out more here.

 

14/03/25
Passengers & Pioneers Album Launch
Bishop Line CRP and Citizen Songwriters

On Friday 14th March you are invited to attend the launch of a new album of songs and poems from the Bishop Line CRP’s Storylines project.

"Passengers & Pioneers" created by Sam Slatcher of Citizen Songwriters along with award winning Northeast poets, celebrates the birth of the Stockton & Darlington Railway and what it means to us today as it approaches its 200th anniversary. The album incorporates stories of passengers travelling today and archive history from the first journey in 1825.

Find out more about the Storylines project on the Bishop Line CRP website. www.bishopline.org

This event is free of charge and will run twice, first at 12:00-13:00 and again at 19:30-20:30 in The Common Room Lecture Hall, a 2 minute walk from Newcastle Central Station.

The Common Room, Neville Hall, Westgate Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 1SE https://thecommonroom.org.uk/

Find out more here.

 

15/03/25
“Lesser-Known Personalities of the Stockton and Darlington Railway”, a talk by Ian Stubbs part of the Tom Leonard Lecture Series
Land of Iron

September 2025 sees the 200th anniversary of the opening of the Stockton and Darlington Railway. The venture steamed into the history books on September 27th, but the idea was more than fifteen years in the planning.

The original visionaries thought up a plan in 1810 and funders had an initial meeting in 1818 and the first promoters meeting was held in Yarm in 1820. We all know about The Peases, George and Robert Stephenson and Timothy Hackworth but less well known are Jeremiah Cairn, Benjamin Flounders, Francis Mewburn, Thomas Meynell, Thomas & Richard Miles and Leonard Raisbeck and others.

This talk will look at them all and put them into perspective in the history of the region at such an important point in the history of the world. The talk is part of the popular Tom Leonard Lecture Series.

Find out more here.

 

15/03/25
Pioneering Engineering – A Series of talks

Llangollen Railway Trust are celebrating both the 200th anniversary and the Trust's own 50th birthday with a series of talks.

15 March 2025 - John Violet - Thomas Brassey – “the greatest railway builder in the world”.

12 April 2025 - Dave Waldren - The early days on and around the Llangollen Railway.

10 May 2025 - Peter Dickinson - Thunder & Smoke - The Arrival of the Railway into Llangollen.

Find out more here.

 

20/03/25
First running of locomotive 35005 Canadian Pacific
The Watercress Line

The launch of Canadian Pacific in March 2025 marks the culmination of a 13-year restoration project, bringing one of Britain’s most iconic steam-era locomotives back to life. This milestone aligns with Railway 200, celebrating two centuries of railway innovation and the people who shaped Britain’s transport history. Built in 1941, 35005 Canadian Pacific is a Southern Railway 4-6-2 Merchant Navy class locomotive, designed by Oliver Bulleid to haul prestigious express trains such as the Atlantic Coast Express. Combining cutting-edge engineering with post-war elegance, Canadian Pacific’s name honours the Merchant Navy shipping line, which suffered devastating losses during World War II, losing all its pre-war ships by 1945.

From March 20–23, 2025, the Watercress Line will host Canadian Pacific’s launch week, offering a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to ride behind this historic locomotive on its first official runs since restoration. Experiences will include exclusive dining, themed journeys, and general admission rides, with full details on our website.

The event offers something for everyone: railway enthusiasts will celebrate the return of one of the Merchant Navy class’s most celebrated locomotives, history lovers can explore its wartime and post-war connections, cultural and heritage tourists will connect with Britain’s industrial legacy, and local communities can join in celebrating the craftsmanship and dedication behind the restoration. Canadian Pacific embodies Railway 200’s spirit, from its historical significance in wartime logistics and recovery to its technological innovation and the community spirit that enabled its revival through thousands of hours of volunteer labour.

Find out more here.

 

22/03/25
Devon Railway Heritage Archive Launch Gala

A celebratory launch party for a new GWR-funded railway heritage archive created by the Folklore Library & Archive (reg. charity no 1203418), which strives to preserve "hidden" heritage by recording people's rail-related memories and stories, as well as archiving photos, video, slides and cine film from personal, and thus previously unseen, collections.

The gala will showcase the work undertaken by the FLA in order to create the archive, as well as celebrating its partnership working with other local organisations. There will be exhibits, a chance to interact with the new archive, VR, music performances and a buffet. There will also be an opportunity to contribute a memory to the archive during the event.

The archive will be freely available to all researchers, rail enthusiasts and the general public.

Find out more here.

 

27/03/25
Friends of Honeywood Museum: 200 Years of Britain’s Railways

The opening of the Stockton to Darlington Railway in 1825 is being celebrated 200 years later. The birth of the railways led to changes throughout Britain and provided convenient transport for the masses. Britain’s railway network grew rapidly and as time moved on steam was replaced by diesel and electric trains. Trains became faster with well-known names such as the Flying Scotsman and the Cornish Riviera Express. Then, following the infamous Beeching Report, there was a decline and many lines and stations closed. Despite this, Britain’s railways today carry millions of passengers.

Local transport historian and photographer John Parkin looks at the development of the railways over these 200 years with an illustrated talk which will include many archive scenes from the Greater London area.

Bookings to susan.hoskin@gmail.com

Seats £7 (£6 Members) - 19:30 start, door opens 19:10

Find out more here.

 

29/03/25
Timeless Tracks
3 Counties Connected Community Rail Partnership

An exhibition of memories and aural stories of the Minera and Coedpoeth communities connected to the mineral and passenger lines that were once there and the launch of the Timeless Tracks booklet as part of Wales and borders Railway 200 programme of events and activities.

The whole family is welcome to the event from 10am-2pm, children can try on costumes from the Victorian Era and take part in the memories treasure hunt. There will also be the opportunity to speak with local historians and discover the fascinating stories that shaped the communities.

Find out more here.

 

29/03/25
The Shap Mountaineer Vintage Trains
Experience the Famous Shap Fells Incline and Settle & Carlisle line by Train!

We start the year and our celebrations of Railway 200 with a trip to Carlisle, a 2000 year old city with plenty of history to discover. While the city is famous for Hadrian’s Wall, there is much more besides including the Cathedral, Castle and several museums and galleries all for you to explore. The journey will see the train make a thunderous ascent of Shap to Carlisle, Bahamas’ first run on this route in preservation, before returning via the stunning and world-famous Settle & Carlisle line. Both on the outward run via Shap and the return over the Settle & Carlisle, Bahamas will be unassisted by a diesel locomotive.

The Jubilees were strongly associated with the Settle & Carlisle route, hauling the Thames-Clyde Express, so what better way to kickstart our 2025 programme, and our trains celebrating Railway 200, than to have Bahamas retread one of her old stomping grounds in the Settle & Carlisle but also take on the challenging gradient of Shap Summit. The train will be diesel hauled to Carnforth, where Bahamas will take over the train. On the return, the train will be diesel hauled from Hellifield back to Birmingham New Street. For enthusiasts we have introduced a new Tourist Class ticket, allowing you to sit in the first passenger carriage behind the locomotive in at least one direction.

Departing from Birmingham New Street, Wolverhampton, Stafford, Crewe, Warrington Bank Quay, Preston (pick-up only), Blackburn (set-down only).

Find out more here.

 

29/03/25
Girl Guiding Railway Challenge

The Girl Guiding Railway Challenge (produced by The North East England Region of Girl Guiding) will have activities to complete related to the Past, Present and Future of the Railways. It will also include STEM and Rail Safety activities.

There will be activities available to suit the age range from 4 to 18. The challenge pack will be free on the Girl Guiding North East England website. There will also be a cloth badge available to purchase.

The badge launches on 29 March 2025, and has been created by the volunteers of Girl Guiding North East England, industry partners and Community Rail Lancashire.

Find out more here.

 

29/03/25
S&DR200: A festival celebrating the birth of the modern railway

S&DR200 is a 9-month international festival taking place across County Durham and Tees Valley in 2025, to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the first journey on the Stockton and Darlington Railway (S&DR).

S&DR200 is delivered by Darlington Borough Council, Durham County Council and Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council.

Visitors of all ages will enjoy immersive art installations and augmented-reality digital games, see treasured artworks in the region for the first time, join thousands of others for awe-inspiring outdoor events and see some of the world’s favourite locomotives.

Rail enthusiasts and budding historians will be able to hear from experts in their fields and we will delve into the future of travel with our industry partners. Local children will enjoy hands-on creative workshops and young people, local communities and arts organisations will create special events for the festival.

Whether you are a railway buff, someone who loves getting creative, or enjoy new cultural experiences – there will be something for you.

Find out more here.

 

31/03/25
Exhibition – Ashford’s Railway Legacy
Ashford International Model Railway Education Centre

A public exhibition for all ages highlighting Ashford's contribution to UK railways in the Bicentenary Year.

The exhibition in pictures, words, artefacts and film will showcase the surviving locomotives and rolling stock from Ashford Works' 135 years history of design and manufacture supported by stories of the people who made it happen and the legacy impact on the town.

The exhibition will be free and run for a month in March and April 2025, coinciding with the Ashford Festival of Railway Modelling 2025 on 12/13 April, now in its 3rd year of showcasing the world of railways in miniature. The exhibition will be curated in conjunction with Ashford Museum, Ashford Library and Tales from the Tracks.

Ashford's Gateway Plus is a step-free publicly accessible building in the centre of Ashford which contains the town library, other council and KCC services, toilets and the CIC-operated Food with Friends Café.

Find out more here.