Severn Valley Railway marks 50 years of its popular spring steam gala
The event first took place in 1976.
Severn Valley Railways popular Spring Steam Gala returns this week - 50 years since the event was first held.
The Spring Steam Gala takes place this week from Thursday, April 16 to Sunday, April 19.
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This year marks 50 years since SVRs first Spring Steam Gala, way back in April 1976, and the heritage line say they’ve got plenty of exciting things planned.
Their first guest locomotive is BR 71000 ‘Duke of Gloucester’, thanks to BR Class 8 Steam Locomotive Trust and Locomotive Services.
Their second and third guest locomotives are Port of Par ‘Judy’ and LMS Pug 11243.
The pair will operate an intensive shuttle service between Bewdley and Kidderminster throughout the gala, including some double-headed appearances that promise plenty of character in a surprisingly compact package.
This year, SVR is also offering Spring Steam Gala visitors a rare opportunity to experience railway travel from an unusual perspective, with the chance to ride in a heritage goods train brake van.
Available on Thursday and Sunday only, this experience invites passengers to travel in a former Great Western Railway ‘Toad’ brake van, carefully restored by SVR volunteers.
Positioned directly behind the locomotive, the brake van offers an unforgettable vantage point and a powerful sense of what freight working on the Railway was like in the heyday of steam.
A spokesperson said: “This is a truly special opportunity to experience a very different aspect of railway operation. You’re right behind the locomotive, surrounded by the sounds, smells and atmosphere of a working railway. It’s noisy, it’s dirty, and it’s incredibly exciting.
“Experiences like this are rarely available, and they offer a real insight into the vital role freight trains once played on Britain’s railways.”
Places for the brake van experience are strictly limited and must be pre-booked in advance in addition to a valid Spring Steam Gala ticket. At the time of writing, all brake van places are sold out.
Tickets for both the gala and brake van experience are available at svr.co.uk.
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