Everything you need to know about The Greatest Gathering in Derby

BBC News

2 days ago

The countdown to a new festival - dubbed "the Glastonbury of railways" - is almost over, as more than 40,000 steam enthusiasts prepare to head to Derby for The Greatest Gathering.The event will see more than 40,000 people come together for the three-day event at train manufacturer Alstom in the city. Taking place between Friday and Sunday, it will celebrate the 200th anniversary of the world's first passenger train service.Among the locomotives, modern high-speed trains, and technology on display at the Litchurch Lane factory will be the world famous Flying Scotsman.
Here's everything you need to know about the event before it opens.
What is the event and why is it happening?
The Greatest Gathering is a three-day festival, celebrating two centuries of British railway innovation, engineering, and heritage. Organiser Alstom has hailed the event as being the world's largest-ever collection of historic and modern rolling stock.The event will bring together more than 140 locomotives and railway vehicles from different eras.It's part of Railway 200 - a nationwide, year-long celebration commemorating the 200th anniversary of the world's first passenger railway journey. That milestone took place in 1825, with the opening of the Stockton and Darlington Railway.Visitors will see not only steam giants like the Flying Scotsman, but also modern electric trains such as the Class 390 Pendolino.
Where and when is it taking place?
The event takes place at Alstom's Litchurch Lane Works in Derby from Friday to Sunday, with opening hours from 10:00 to 16:00 BST each day.It marks the first time the factory has opened its doors to the public in nearly 50 years.Alstom's site in Derby is one of the most historic train factories in the UK, and has been building trains since the 19th Century.The factory remains the only facility in Britain that designs, engineers, builds, and tests trains on a single site. It will also become the future home of Great British Railways.
What can visitors expect to see and do?
Visitors in attendance will be able to see more than 140 rolling-stock exhibits.The site will also host exhibitions, rail simulators, a model railway village - curated by record producer and train enthusiast Pete Waterman - as well as interactive family-friendly displays.Vintage shuttle buses and food outlets will be available throughout the weekend.
What vehicles will be on display?
Here are some of the vehicles, which are set to be displayed over the course of the weekend:Locomotion No. 1 - The pioneering steam engine that launched public rail travel on the Stockton and Darlington Railway in 1825, courtesy of the National Railway MuseumMidland Railway No. 1000 - Built in Derby in 1902 and designed by Samuel Waite JohnsonD6700 (Class 37) - The original member of the diesel-electric Class 37 series, built in 1959 and still operationalClass 390 Pendolino (Unit 390119 "Progress") - A modern high-speed electric train from AlstomFurness Railway No. 20 - Britain's oldest working standard-gauge steam locomotive, dating back to 1863 and presented by The Furness Railway Trust
Are tickets still available?
The event is sold out, with no tickets available on the day. All visitors must have pre-booked e-tickets.Alstom released extra tickets in June following high demand, but organisers have confirmed that capacity has now been reached.The manufacturer said it would be welcoming more than 40,000 visitors over the three days.
How do visitors get there, and is parking available?
Visitors are encouraged to use public transport, as there is no general parking on site. The event is about a 10-minute walk from Derby railway station, with signposting along the route.A free vintage shuttle bus service will run between the station and the event entrance on Cathedral Road from 07:00 to 17:00 over the three days.Blue Badge parking was available in advance but has been fully booked. Organisers advise attendees not to drive to the site unless using pre-arranged accessible transport.
Missed out on tickets? Here's what else you can do
Derby's Guildhall Market will host a Greatest Gathering fringe event over the weekend to coincide with the festival.Free and family-friendly, the fringe event will include model railways, games, and heritage displays. Visitors do not need to book tickets in advance - they are encouraged to just turn up and enjoy the celebration of the city's railway history.