Kickstart the New Year than with our Annual Winter Steam Gala. Taking place on the 23- 26 January and including a special twilight train service, this action-packed four-day event will feature an intensive timetable for both passenger and goods trains as well as special guest locomotives for you to enjoy – sign up to our newsletter and social media channels to be the first to hear!
Kickstart the New Year than with our Annual Winter Steam Gala. Taking place on the 23- 26 January, this action-packed four-day event will feature an intensive timetable for both passenger and goods trains as well as THREE special guest locomotives for you to enjoy!
Be part of history as we introduce the youngest steam engine in the country! The Great Western 'Grange' Class No. 6880, Betton Grange, completed just this year, will make its first appearance at our gala. This remarkable locomotive was funded and built by dedicated enthusiasts after none of the original 80 'Grange' locomotives survived the 1960s. The first ‘Grange’ rolled out in 1936, so this new addition bridges nearly 90 years of steam history! Image by Jamie Ringwood, 6880 on Kelling Heath bank at NNR.
Experience a piece of railway history at our Winter Steam Gala with the Great Western Railway Collett Tank No. 6695, visiting from the Swindon and Cricklade Railway. Designed by Charles Collett, this robust and versatile tank engine was crucial for suburban and shunting duties across the GWR network. Dressed in its classic GWR green livery, No. 6695 represents the golden era of steam with its operational capability and distinctive elegance. Join us to witness this iconic locomotive in action, pulling our period coaches for a true steam experience. Image of 6695 courtesy of Locomotive ltd.
Don't miss the powerful Great Western Railway Heavy Freight No. 3850 at our Winter Steam Gala, courtesy of the Gloucester and Warwickshire Railway. This formidable locomotive exemplifies the strength and durability essential for mid-20th century heavy freight services. No. 3850 showcases the classic design of GWR's heavy freight engines, built to manage demanding loads across rugged terrains. Adorned in the traditional GWR livery, it stands as a testament to the industrial might of the era. Experience this giant in steam engineering as it demonstrates its hauling capabilities on our heritage track. Image of 3850 by John Titlow.
Get ready for a dynamic timetable, running an array of both passenger and goods services throughout the event. Whether you're a dedicated rail enthusiast or just looking for an unforgettable experience, there will be something for everyone.
🚂 Step back in time at the Great Central Railway Winter Gala and uncover a piece of railway history! In 1933, a dramatic train crash occurred at what is now Loughborough Central Station. This January, as we approach the 91st anniversary of this event, join us for a fascinating glimpse into the past. 🎙️ Alan Godber, a dedicated GCR volunteer and signalman since 1986, has extensively researched this incident and will share his insights through an illustrated presentation. This talk, enhanced with historical photographs, has captivated various local history and railway groups, with all fees donated to support the railway. 📅 Presentations will take place on Friday 24th and Saturday 25th January at 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM in the General Waiting Room at Loughborough. Weather permitting, attendees can also join a guided walk to the very site of the crash. 🎫 Admission is free with a valid rail or platform ticket. Tickets for the talk are available from the Station Master’s office upon presentation of a valid ticket. There are only ten places available for each talk, so be there early to secure your spot!
Available Services throughout the Winter Steam Gala
Griddle Car Service (A set): Available Thursday through Sunday, our Griddle Car offers the full GCR Breakfast and more, perfect for starting your day on the right track.
Buffet Service B set (Thursday) C set (Friday, Saturday & Sunday): Enjoy a selection of hot and cold refreshments in our Buffet Car.
Opening Times:
Thursday:
A set: 09:45 - 16:35
B set: 10:30 - 15:50
Friday:
A set: 09:30 - 16:30
C set: 09:45 - 18:05
Saturday:
A set: 09:30 - 19:00
C set: 09:45 - 16:00
Sunday:
A set: 09:30 - 16:30
C set: 09:45 - 16:00
In addition, all cafes and refreshment rooms across the railway will be open to provide you with additional options.
Special Offer for Santa Express Passengers Have a Golden Ticket from The Great Central Santa Express? Bring the little ones along for free to our Winter Steam Gala! Save When You Book Online Plan ahead and save! Book your tickets online in advance to enjoy discounted prices.
The main car park for this event will be at Loughborough, using the former factory carpark of Merlin Archery, close to Loughborough Central Station. From the A6 and town centre, go over the Great Central Station bridge, past the station entrance and in 50 yards take the first turning on the right into the factory site. Car parking here is £5 per car (no exceptions). w3w///retire.dogs.mats Car parking will also be available in Quorn station yard, but not in the adjacent field. Parking here is also £5 per car, but space is limited. Only blue badge holders may park in spaces marked with the wheelchair symbol. w3w///extend.carriage.froze No parking is permitted in the adjacent streets. Very limited parking is available in Rothley Station yard w3w///glass.horses.drain and the approach to Leicester North station w3w///juices.gender.sound
On Friday and Saturday, there will be a free heritage bus service linking Loughborough Midland (EMR) station with Lovatt House, close to Loughborough Central Station, courtesy of Leicester Transport Heritage Trust. There is no bus on Thursday or Sunday.
For most fares, it is cheaper to book online. Passengers are welcome to pay on the day at any of our booking offices at these prices.