The Severn Valley Railway is starting the year with steam, as its Winter Steam Gala returns for a two-day event over the weekend of Saturday 3 and Sunday 4 January 2026.
Running an intensive timetable between Kidderminster and Bridgnorth, the event brings together a strong line-up from the SVR’s home fleet, with passengers able to ride in steam-heated heritage carriages across the scenic Severn Valley line. Trains will also stop at Bewdley, Arley, Highley and Hampton Loade, with opportunities to break the journey at The Engine House visitor centre in Highley.
The 2026 roster includes:
- GWR 4930 ‘Hagley Hall’ – Saturday only
- GWR 7802 ‘Bradley Manor’ – both days
- GWR 1450 – Autotrain and evening services
- GWR 7714 – Double-heading with 1450
- LMS 13268 – with LMS stock
- BR Standard 75069 – Sunday only
- BR Class 108 DMU – both days
Timetables are designed to allow enthusiasts to travel behind every locomotive in service across the two days. Highlights include evening double-headers, GWR sets, LMS liveries, and the chance to see 1450, 7714 and 7802 in various combinations throughout the weekend.
Along the route, station cafes and kiosks will be open as usual. The Engine House will be open from 10:45am to 4:30pm, with model railway displays, visiting artist Ben Powell, and additional exhibits. The Kidderminster Railway Museum will also host a Railway Photograph Fair on Saturday and a Book Fair through the weekend – including half-price offers on many nearly new titles.
Tickets are available as one- or two-day rovers, with advance purchase discounts. Full fares and info can be found at: https://svr.co.uk/specialevents/winter-steam-gala/
If you’re planning a New Year escape or looking for something to do locally post-Christmas, the Winter Steam Gala is one of the few heritage events running in January – and a chance to experience the Severn Valley Railway at its steamiest.
