Celebrate 150 Years of Steam at our May Day Bank Holiday Gala Weekend!
3rd–5th May 2025 – An unmissable weekend of heritage railway fun
Join us for a once-in-a-lifetime celebration as we mark 150 years of the Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway with a spectacular steam gala weekend! From Friday 3rd to Sunday 5th May 2025, the railway will come alive with an intensive timetable, historic locomotives, and an electric atmosphere for rail enthusiasts, families, and photography lovers alike.
What’s On?
- Intensive Train Services – Prepare for an action-packed timetable with steam and diesel locomotives operating throughout the weekend.
- Heritage Displays – Dive into the rich history of the Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway at the Ravenglass Railway Museum with special exhibitions.
- Volunteer Opportunities – Find out how you can become a part of this unique and engaged railway community.
- Family Fun – Activities for all ages, from vintage rides to interactive exhibits.
- 150th Celebration Header Boards – Each train will proudly display anniversary decorations.
Visiting Steam Engines – a rare chance to see magnificent locomotives in action!
The highlight of the event will be the much-anticipated return of Green Goddess, a historic locomotive from the Romney, Hythe & Dymchurch Railway (RH&DR).
Green Goddess originally trialled at Ravenglass in 1925 before its home line in Kent was operational – this legendary locomotive returns for its fourth visit to the line. Designed by Henry Greenly and built by Davey, Paxman of Colchester, it shares a heritage with our very own River Esk.
We’re thrilled to announce that the line-up also includes the newly overhauled Bonnie Dundee, making its return to Ravenglass for its first passenger trains here in 20 years!
Other engines on the roster (to be confirmed) include: River Irt, River Esk, River Mite, Northern Rock, Whillan Beck, Katie, Synolda, Lady Wakefield, Perkins, and Cyril. The last three are diesel locomotives.
With support from our dedicated team of volunteers, we aim to have as many locomotives as possible running during the gala.
