Home » RAILWAY NEWS » World’s Largest Railway Festival Opens at Alstom’s UK Train Factory in Derby for Railway 200 Celebrations Sunday, August 3, 2025The world’s largest railway festival has kicked off at Alstom‘s Derby Litchurch Lane Works in the UK, attracting thousands of railway enthusiasts and visitors from across the globe. The three-day event, which started on August 1 and runs through the weekend, is part of the Railway 200 celebrations marking the 200th anniversary of the Stockton and Darlington Railway’s opening on September 27, 1825. This milestone event celebrates the inception of the modern railway system.Alstom’s factory in Derby, one of the oldest and largest rolling stock factories in the UK, is home to over 140 exhibits showcasing both historic and modern railway vehicles. This gathering, aptly named The Greatest Gathering, highlights the importance of both heritage and innovation in the railway industry. The event is a charity initiative with all profits going to five railway-related charities.Advertisement A Weekend Full of Railway HeritageThe festival features a wide range of exhibits, including a number of significant steam locomotives, such as the world-renowned Flying Scotsman and Locomotion No. 1, which is celebrating its 200th anniversary. Visitors can witness these historic locomotives alongside modern, high-speed trains, showcasing the advancements in railway technology over the past two centuries. Notably, Alstom’s Class 390 Pendolino Progress, the UK’s first fully wrapped Pride train, will also be on display.Alongside these impressive machines, the event offers a chance to see a variety of high-speed trains, including the Eurostar power car 3999 and Class 43 High-Speed Trains (HSTs), as well as modern Alstom-built Class 720 Aventra trains. The contrast between the world’s oldest operating locomotive and the latest in rail innovation provides a striking visual representation of the railway’s evolution.Interactive Experiences for All AgesThe festival is designed to be an immersive experience, with visitors able to ride on several trains, including steam, diesel, and electric-hauled models, across the 1.4 km-long test track at Litchurch Lane. One of the highlights is the world’s oldest operating narrow-gauge locomotive, Prince, which will be offering rides throughout the event.Additionally, attendees can explore the STEM Hub, a family-friendly interactive zone designed to inspire the next generation of railway professionals. The STEM Hub emphasizes the role of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) in shaping the future of sustainable mobility and rail technology.For those with a passion for model railways, a Model Railway Village curated in partnership with Key Mode …
