The Greatest Gathering train fans invited to Derby Market Hall for free fringe event in the city
A special fringe event at Market Hall for The Greatest Gathering, celebrates the city's railway heritage
Derby is set to play host to one of the city’s highly anticipated events of 2025, The Greatest Gathering.
The three-day event taking place from August 1-3, 2025 is now sold-out.
Although no more tickets are available, people can still enjoy some train spirit in Derby which has a strong railway heritage.
As part of Railway 200 celebrations, the Derwent Valley Line Community Rail Partnership (DVLCRP) is hosting The Greatest Gathering fringe event at Derby Market Hall.
The fringe event is a collaboration between DVLCRP, Derby City Council and Visit Derby, giving people the chance to get in the railway spirit.
This special fringe event will run inside Derby Market Hall at these times:
Friday August 1: 9am – 6pm
Saturday August 2: 9am – 9pm
Sunday August 3: 11am – 3pm
Taking place mainly on the balcony of the Derby Market Hall, the event is family focused, fun and free.
There will be a railway heritage displays, a model railway of Middleton Top, and train themed board games. There will be information on attractions along the Derwent Valley and all the usual attractions in the market hall.
Booking is not required, just turn up and enjoy the train-related fun on offer.
Derwent Valley Community Rail Partnership has been working to improve safety, accessibility and inclusiveness of the station for over 20 years.
A spokesperson for the partnership said: “We want to thank Derby City Council for the use of the spectacular refurbished Derby Market Hall.”
What is The Greatest Gathering Derby?
The Greatest Gathering is a three-day celebration at Alstom in Derby as part of Railway 200. It includes over 50 historic trains and carriages including the iconic Flying Scotsman.
It also gives people the rare opportunity to look around the Litchurch Lane Works.
The original ticket allocation for The Greatest Gathering sold out in a day.
Saturday is a joint all day board gaming event with Derby on Board Games group. It is free with games people can borrow on the day that are train or transport themed.
Days of Wonder/ Asmodee generously donated copies of the city Ticket to Ride board games.
Belper Model Railway Group are providing the Middleton Top display, while Midland Railway Study Centre are providing the railway heritage display.