It’s full steam ahead for our annual Autumn Steam Gala! Running across four packed days, the Gala features an intensive timetable of passenger, goods and double-headed trains, showcasing both our home fleet and five visiting steam locomotives.
Pre-book and save on your tickets, or purchase on the day from station Booking Offices.
This year’s event celebrates a fascinating variety of locomotives from some of the smallest engines in operation to larger and more powerful steam locomotives. You’ll have the opportunity to see an incredible contrast of railway engineering from across different eras and industries.
What to expect at the Autumn Steam Gala? Our four day festival of steam will feature both guest and home-fleet locomotives operating a busy timetable between Loughborough Central and Leicester North. If you love steam, this is the place to be! Ride behind every locomotive, visit our station cafe’s to break your day, or sample the finest real-ales in our pubs, as you experience the Great Central Railway at its steamiest! With beautifully restored stations, on-site museums, behind-the-scenes access, and plenty of food and drink options, it’s a steam-filled celebration for enthusiasts, photographers, families and anyone who loves the sights, sounds and atmosphere of a heritage railway.
Whilst every effort will be made to maintain services, we do not guarantee that trains will arrive/depart at the times stated. We reserve the right to alter or suspend any train without notice. No liability for any loss, inconvenience or delay can be accepted. Locomotives appear subject to availability.
No. 1589
â—Ź
Hunslet 0-6-0ST No. 1589 'Newstead'
No. 813
â—Ź
GWR Saddle Tank 813
No. 9681
â—Ź
GWR Pannier Tank 9681
Our intensive gala timetable maximises the amount of steam in action, combining frequent passenger services with freight operations. Expect varied locomotive workings, double-headers, plenty of train movements and a railway alive with activity from morning until evening.
On Friday, Saturday and Sunday, you can enjoy the unique experience of travelling on a goods train and passing other services on our double track – something to behold! The journey will take you from Quorn and Woodhouse Station to Rothley Brook, before returning you to Quorn and Woodhouse Station. The train will enter Swithland Sidings to be passed by another train too. Additional £15 charge applies. Tickets can be bought on the day at Quorn & Woodhouse Station.
Loughborough Central: BBQ and Refreshment Room
Quorn & Woodhouse: Butler Henderson café, serving a selection of hot and cold food, as well as light refreshments. Plus, our Tin Shed Bar (by the marquee), offering a range of cask ales and ciders; also, tea, coffee, soft drinks, filled rolls and light refreshments. Open from 9:30 am daily.
Rothley and Leicester North: Platform Tearoom
On-train: Griddle Car, serving up freshly prepared hot and cold food, including an all day breakfast. Refreshment Car, hand-pulled ales, ciders and other beverages and snacks.
With thanks to Leicester Transport Heritage Trust we are offering FREE Shuttle Buses on Friday and Saturday from 8.30am between Loughborough EMR station and Lovatt House, Loughborough Station. Plan your journey with the timetable here.
Learn all about Reunification’s progress on Saturday and Sunday during the gala with exclusive guided tours of the Trackbed. Find out about the plans for the reunification project with Tom Ingall and Ken Simms. Plus, new this time round, the tour will be longer and include a visit to the Preci Spark car park, so you can see where the Factory Flyover will be built!
A ÂŁ20 supplement can be paid at the Friends stand at Loughborough Central Station, Platform 1, with all proceeds helping directly fund the Reunification project. Sensible shoes are required, and the tours are weather-dependent.
Thursday:
Friday, Saturday, Sunday:
Loughborough Central Station-
Quorn & Woodhouse Station-
Rothley Station
Leicester North
Platform Tickets
*Required Field