Keighley & Worth Valley Railway Diesel Gala Set for June 18-21, 2024

The Keighley & Worth Valley Railway (KWVR) is gearing up for its much-anticipated Diesel Gala, which is set to take place from Thursday 18 to Sunday 21 June. With just one week left, excitement is building for four days packed with diesel locomotive action in the picturesque Brontë Country. This event promises a thrilling experience for railway enthusiasts and families alike, showcasing some of Britain's most iconic diesel engines along the five-mile stretch of heritage railway.

Star Attractions

One of the highlights of the Gala is the appearance of the famous Class 55 Deltic No. 55009 Alycidon. This legendary locomotive was once a key player on the East Coast Main Line, known for its speed and distinctive sound. Its presence at the event is sure to be a major draw for fans of railway history.

Another exciting addition to the line-up is Class 37 No. 37025, which recently featured in the Channel 4 series "Francis Bourgeois & Chris Harris: We Saved A Train." This locomotive has captured the hearts of many and will give visitors a chance to see it in action and even travel behind it.

Additionally, Class 31 No. 31210 will be making its debut appearance following an impressive restoration after spending 35 years out of service. This return is a significant milestone for the railway community, as it highlights the dedication to preserving these historic machines.

Complete Line-Up

Vintage diesel locomotive with yellow front on railway tracks

Historic green locomotive traveling through Yorkshire countryside

Man in green jacket standing by vintage yellow trains at station

The visiting fleet for the Diesel Gala is quite impressive, featuring:

• Class 55 No. 55009 Alycidon

• Class 37 No. 37025

• Class 31 No. 31210

• Class 50 No. 50049 Defiance

• Class 47 No. 47715 Rail Engineering Solutions – Quality Assured

• Class 37 No. 37218

• Class 31 No. 31108

In addition to these visitors, the KWVR's own diesel fleet will be represented by D9520, 08266, and 08993, ensuring a diverse array of locomotives for attendees to enjoy.

Activities and Experiences

Beyond the impressive line-up of locomotives, the Diesel Gala offers a packed timetable of passenger and goods trains, ensuring plenty of opportunities to see these machines in action. Visitors will also have the chance for behind-the-scenes access at the Haworth Motive Power Depot, where they can learn more about the workings of the railway and get an up-close look at the engines.

The event's popularity is evident, as tickets for the Brake Van Rides have already sold out. However, there are still a limited number of places available for the Shed Tours, which provide a unique opportunity to explore the locomotive depot and see the visiting fleet in detail.

Organiser's Excitement

“It's hard to believe we're only a week away now. To have locomotives like 55009 Alycidon, 37025 and the recently restored 31210 all appearing at the same event is something we're really excited about,” said Kieran Pilsworth, the Diesel Gala Organiser. He added, “The response has been fantastic, with Brake Van Rides already sold out and only a handful of Shed Tour places remaining. We're looking forward to welcoming everyone to the Worth Valley and putting on a great show.”

Ticket Information

For those wishing to attend, advance bookings are still available, and purchasing tickets ahead of the event can save visitors 10% on travel. This is a great opportunity to enjoy a family day out while immersing in the rich history of diesel locomotives.

For more details on tickets, timetables, and other information, the KWVR website offers a comprehensive guide to help plan a visit to this exciting event. The Diesel Gala is a celebration of railway heritage and a chance for both enthusiasts and families to connect with the incredible world of trains.