- Join Santa on a magical vintage Steam Train ride! Gifts, treats, and festive fun for every child on the Santa Express!
Gear up for an action-packed weekend at our annual Autumn Diesel Gala! Our home fleet, including relaunched Class 27 27056, will be joined by three amazing visiting guest locomotives, offering the chance to ride behind an impressive range of traction.
This event is a highlight in any diesel enthusiasts’ calendar and a great day out for families, as we start off the new season with a weekend of diesel traction.
Timetables are below, please note this is the working timetable and passenger train times are in bold.
Get even closer to the action with a cab ride during our diesel gala. Travel in the cab on a one-way trip from Loughborough Central Station to Leicester North and enjoy a front row seat and a glimpse into how locomotives are operated. Cab passes must be purchased in conjunction with an adult runabout ticket.
We have the perfect memorabilia for you to wear during your intensive days of diesel running. Choose from a sweatshirt or T-shirt in a variety of colours, featuring a beautiful design of the Class 27! This merch is exclusive to the Autumn Diesel Gala 2025 so make sure to get a picture of you and the powerful diesel engine wearing your new merch!
On Sunday 7th September we’ll be operating a Mixed Traffic Day which features both Steam and Diesel, passenger and goods with a limited number of brake van rides available too! Diesels in action are expected to be D7018, D9951, Class 27 D5370, 27056 and D6535 alongside a steam locomotive from our home fleet. Kids go for a quid too!
While you’re enjoying the Autumn Diesel Gala, don’t forget to visit the selection of trade stands located at the north end of Loughborough Central Station. It’s a great chance to browse railway merchandise, meet preservation groups, and support the organisations keeping diesel heritage alive. This year’s trade stands include: SVR Class 14 Ltd, 27007 Lives, Deltic Preservation Society, Heavy Tractor Group, 5305 Locomotive Association
Planning to join us later in the day? We’re offering a special Evening-Only Ticket for the Diesel Gala, valid from 5:00pm onwards on Friday and Saturday. £20 Adults, £10 Children – Available on the day only – not bookable in advance. Purchase from Loughborough Booking Office or the Train Ticket Inspector (TTI) onboard.
A great way to enjoy the evening action at a reduced price!
The Waiting Room bar (located on the platform at our Loughborough Central Station) will be open throughout the Gala, offering a wide and carefully selected range of cask ales and ciders: Goff’s Brewery, Great Newsome Brewery, Nottingham Brewery, Magpie Brewery, Burton Bridge Brewery, 4 T’s Brewery.
Plus, there will also be a range of both traditional and fruit cask ciders on sale!
The range of beers will be rotated throughout the Diesel Gala and Mixed Traffic Day on the 7th September and are subject to availability.
We’re kicking things off with a nostalgic, green-liveried line-up, featuring:
D7018, D9551, D6700, D123, Iris and Class 27 D5370!
Three train sets in service:
Plus, Iris will be running special services along the Mountsorrel Branch.
Exclusive Thursday-Only Experience:
Take the controls of Class 10 D4067 at Rothley Carriage & Wagon. Available 10am–3pm. £20 supplement applies.
Cab passes must be purchased in conjunction with an adult runabout ticket.
Visiting Locos: D7018, D9551, D5370
Home Fleet: 27056, D123, 37714, D6700, 50017, 55019
DMU Unit: Class 101 Four train sets in action, including:
Evening BeerEx: Hauled by D7018.
Visiting Locos: D7018, D9551, and D5370
Home Fleet: 27056, D6535, 37714, D6700, 50017, 55019
DMU Unit: Class 101
Same great four-set operation as Friday with an action-packed timetable.
Evening BeerEx: Hauled by 27056 and D5370 Food from the Griddle Car – expect burgers and hot dogs!
Bus Shuttles:
A free heritage bus will run on Saturday between Loughborough Midland (EMR) Station and Lovatt House (near GCR Loughborough Central), with morning and late afternoon departures. No ticket is required – all are welcome.
Departures from Loughborough Midland (EMR):
8:35, 9:05, 9:35, 10:05, 10:35, 11:05am
3:32, 4:02, 4:37, 4:57, 5:17pm
Departures from Lovatt House (150 yds from GCR Central):
8:42, 9:12, 9:42, 10:12, 10:42am
3:40, 4:10, 4:45, 5:05, 5:25pm
Operated by Leicester Transport Heritage Trust using a vintage AEC Renown (DBC190C). Please note: no step-free access. Times may change due to unforeseen circumstances.
Take a seat in our original 1960s Griddle Car or our newly relaunched Buffet Car and enjoy a classic railway dining experience. Serving up freshly prepared hot and cold food, it’s the perfect way to enjoy great food while soaking up the sights and sounds of a heritage railway.
Start your journey with a Great Central Railway breakfast – from a full English to a hearty breakfast bap or classic beans on toast. If you fancy something lighter, you’ll also find a selection of sandwiches and other refreshments to keep you going. Alongside the Griddle and Buffet Cars, our cafés and refreshment rooms across the railway will be open throughout the gala.
Evening Specials in the Griddle Car
