UK’s ‘largest-ever’ gathering of historic rail vehicles in Derby for Railway 200 anniversary
and on Freeview 262 or Freely 565
The UK’s ‘largest ever’ gathering of historic rail vehicles is coming to Derby.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdAlstom has announced that it will host The Greatest Gathering marking the 200th anniversary of the modern railway.
Taking place from August 1-3, 2025, Alstom’s historic Litchurch Lane Site in Derby will open to the public for the first time in over 50 years.
Britain’s biggest and oldest remaining train factory will be home to more than 50 rolling stock exhibits from the past, present and future of the railways.
The event forms part of the wider Railway 200 festivities.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdThe year-long celebration marks the opening of the Stockton and Darlington Railway (S&DR) on 27 September 1825, a journey that is widely considered to have given birth to the modern railway.
Senior figures from the rail industry attended the launch event on Thursday 30 January, enjoying speeches from Gian Luca Erbacci, Europe Region President at Alstom, Emma Roberts, Programme Manager at Railway 200 and Baggy Shanker, Labour MP for Derby South.
His Majesty’s Vice Lord-Lieutenant of Derbyshire, Colonel John Wilson OBE DL, was also present, alongside legendary music and rail enthusiast Pete Waterman, and John Smith OBE, Chief Executive Officer at GB Railfreight.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdHistoric locomotives representing steam, diesel and electric traction were exhibited at Litchurch Lane and which will appear at The Greatest Gathering in August.
“The Greatest Gathering, presented by Alstom for Railway 200, is a unique opportunity to celebrate not only the incredible progress of the past two centuries but also the bright future of rail,” said Gian Luca Erbacci, Europe Region President at Alstom.
He continued: “Since 1825, Alstom has played a pivotal role in shaping rail innovation and our Litchurch Lane site remains at the heart of that legacy.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide Ad“This event is about bringing people together to reflect on what we’ve achieved collectively and to inspire the next generation to push the boundaries of what’s possible in sustainable transport.”
Alongside displays of historic and modern, mainline locomotives, Britain’s biggest rail celebration will also feature rides along Derby’s test track and a variety of narrow-gauge trains will be in operation.
Fairground attractions, street food and live music will also add to the festival feel.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdElsewhere, layouts staged by some of the biggest names in model railways including a section of Pete Waterman’s record-breaking Railnuts layout, will take centre stage in the Model Railway Village.
Historians and industry leaders will take also part in engaging talks and discussions in the Mobility Theatre.
Event organisers expect thousands of visitors over the three-day event.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdDerby Litchurch Lane is one of the world’s largest rolling stock factories.
It is reported the site is the only UK facility that designs, engineers, builds and tests trains for domestic and export markets.
The factory was opened by the Midland Railway in 1876 and the city of Derby has been building trains continually since 1839.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdIn 2022, Derby was chosen by the Government as the home of Great British Railways following a vote by the public between contender cities.
“Railway 200 is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to celebrate rail’s role in building connections and driving prosperity,” said Emma Roberts, Programme Manager at Railway 200.
She added: “Our railways are here for everyone. They bring friends and family together and enable us to enjoy new opportunities and experiences.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide Ad“It’s wonderful that Alstom is marking Railway 200 with this fun-packed festival for everyone to enjoy, in Derby, the new home of the railway.”
Alongside a brand new Derby-built Class 720 Aventra unit for Greater Anglia (720503), passenger operator Avanti West Coast also showcased one of their nine-car Pendolino sets. Further marking this milestone year, Alstom-built 390016 was named ‘Railway 200’ and renumbered 390200 at the launch event.
“Railway 200 is a chance to celebrate the important role the UK rail industry has played in history over the last two centuries. It’s our chance to tell the story and inspire the railway workers of the future,” said Andy Mellors, Managing Director at Avanti West Coast, who also spoke at the event.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdHe added: “We should be proud of the part we have played and look forward to its exciting future. Our newly named ‘Railway 200’ Pendolino will be seen the length and breadth of the West Coast Main Line, a route at the heart of the UK’s rail network, and just one of a number of events we have planned in the coming months.”
As a family-friendly event which is being supported by the wider industry and heritage operators, interactive science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) activities will feature across Alstom’s 90-acre site at The Greatest Gathering.
Meanwhile, career pathways into the rail industry will be highlighted among festival participants.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdNameplate displays and trade stands will also feature, with a whole host of attractions to be announced by Alstom and partners over the coming months.
Tickets cost £30 for adults and £15 for children (five to 15); children under five go free.
For more information click here: alstom.com/greatest-gathering
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdAll profits will be split between Railway 200’s five chosen charities; Alzheimer's Research UK, Railway Benefit Fund, Railway Children, Railway Mission and Transport Benevolent Fund CIO, and charitable railway heritage partners.
Comment Guidelines
National World encourages reader discussion on our stories. User feedback, insights and back-and-forth exchanges add a rich layer of context to reporting. Please review our Community Guidelines before commenting.