Sunday, August 3, 2025
The world’s largest railway festival has kicked off at Alstom‘s Derby Litchurch Lane Works in the UK, attracting thousands of railway enthusiasts and visitors from across the globe. The three-day event, which started on August 1 and runs through the weekend, is part of the Railway 200 celebrations marking the 200th anniversary of the Stockton and Darlington Railway’s opening on September 27, 1825. This milestone event celebrates the inception of the modern railway system.
Alstom’s factory in Derby, one of the oldest and largest rolling stock factories in the UK, is home to over 140 exhibits showcasing both historic and modern railway vehicles. This gathering, aptly named The Greatest Gathering, highlights the importance of both heritage and innovation in the railway industry. The event is a charity initiative with all profits going to five railway-related charities.
A Weekend Full of Railway Heritage
The festival features a wide range of exhibits, including a number of significant steam locomotives, such as the world-renowned Flying Scotsman and Locomotion No. 1, which is celebrating its 200th anniversary. Visitors can witness these historic locomotives alongside modern, high-speed trains, showcasing the advancements in railway technology over the past two centuries. Notably, Alstom’s Class 390 Pendolino Progress, the UK’s first fully wrapped Pride train, will also be on display.
Alongside these impressive machines, the event offers a chance to see a variety of high-speed trains, including the Eurostar power car 3999 and Class 43 High-Speed Trains (HSTs), as well as modern Alstom-built Class 720 Aventra trains. The contrast between the world’s oldest operating locomotive and the latest in rail innovation provides a striking visual representation of the railway’s evolution.
Interactive Experiences for All Ages
The festival is designed to be an immersive experience, with visitors able to ride on several trains, including steam, diesel, and electric-hauled models, across the 1.4 km-long test track at Litchurch Lane. One of the highlights is the world’s oldest operating narrow-gauge locomotive, Prince, which will be offering rides throughout the event.
Additionally, attendees can explore the STEM Hub, a family-friendly interactive zone designed to inspire the next generation of railway professionals. The STEM Hub emphasizes the role of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) in shaping the future of sustainable mobility and rail technology.
For those with a passion for model railways, a Model Railway Village curated in partnership with Key Model World offers an exhibition of high-quality layouts and models, including the renowned Making Tracks 3 model by music producer and railway enthusiast Pete Waterman.
Railway 200 Exhibition: A Look Back and Forward
As part of the Railway 200 celebrations, the Inspiration exhibition, curated in collaboration with the National Railway Museum, showcases the impact of rail over the last 200 years. The exhibition takes visitors through a redesigned series of Mark 3 carriages, originally built at the Derby Litchurch Lane Works, offering a historical journey through the evolution of rail travel.
The Railway 200 celebrations commemorate the opening of the Stockton and Darlington Railway, the world’s first public railway to use steam locomotives, marking a pivotal moment in the industrial revolution. This year-long series of events across the UK includes festivals, exhibitions, and activities designed to highlight the importance of rail in shaping modern transport.
Alstom’s Contribution to the Railway Industry
The Greatest Gathering at Derby’s Litchurch Lane Works is not only a celebration of railway history but also a testament to the ongoing role of Alstom in shaping the future of transportation. With roots in the early days of the UK railway industry, dating back to 1825, Alstom has been at the forefront of innovation in rail transport. The company’s role in producing both traditional and modern trains, such as the Aventra and Pendolino, has been crucial in the UK’s transportation infrastructure.
The event also underscores Alstom’s commitment to sustainable mobility, with a significant focus on environmentally friendly rail solutions. The festival aims to inspire future generations by showcasing the industry’s contribution to the UK’s green energy initiatives and transportation decarbonization efforts.
Celebrating a Bright Future for Rail
The Greatest Gathering is more than just a nostalgic look back at the past; it is a forward-looking celebration of the future of rail transport. The event aligns with Alstom’s efforts to contribute to the development of the UK’s rail infrastructure, with Derby set to be the future home of Great British Railways, the new national body responsible for rail services across the UK.
As the UK continues to modernize and expand its rail network, events like The Greatest Gathering play a crucial role in inspiring both young and old to appreciate the heritage and the potential of the railway system.
Conclusion
The Greatest Gathering at Alstom’s Derby Litchurch Lane Works is a spectacular celebration of both railway history and innovation. With its unique blend of historic trains, modern technology, and family-friendly activities, the event offers an unforgettable experience for visitors and rail enthusiasts alike. As part of the Railway 200 celebrations, it highlights the profound impact of rail on society and its ongoing evolution, inspiring the next generation of railway professionals and enthusiasts.
This year’s event is a fitting tribute to the railway’s enduring legacy, ensuring that its future will continue to thrive for generations to come.
