Diesel Gala

Our popular diesel gala returns for 2026! Enjoy a feast of heritage diesel traction, with an intensive train service operating.

Our home fleet of preserved diesel locomotives will be operating an intensive timetable, alongside visiting locomotives (to be confirmed).

Locomotives confirmed for the event so far are:

• Class 09 09010
• Class 25 25185
• Class 25 25262
• Class 33 33002
• Class 60 locomotive 60022, freshly rebuilt and outshopped in stunning Midland Railway Crimson Lake livery (with massive thanks to DCRail for their support of our event).

Our early bird advance tickets are now on sale – book now to secure great discounts. These are only available until Saturday 31st October 2026. Please note that no discounts (such as members, PRIV, shareholders, HRA, disabled/carer etc) are available. Only ranger tickets are available to purchase – there are 1 and discounted 2 day tickets available. Please note that early bird tickets are not refundable.

Both main sets will feature a buffet and bar service. Hot food, including breakfast rolls and pasties, will be available to buy on board during the day.

More details coming very soon – check back for all the updates!

Event update – 15th September 2026

We are delighted to announce that Class 60 60022 is the first visitor announced for our gala. Unveiled in striking Midland Railway Crimson Lake livery and named “Ingleborough”, this locomotive will certainly be a popular visitor, having never previously worked passenger trains on a heritage railway, and this being the first passenger working at all since September 2006.

No 60022 has received a thorough rebuild and has been outshopped in Midland Railway livery in recognition of 2026 being the 150th anniversary of the opening of the Settle & Carlisle Railway and DCRail being based in Derby, the former headquarters of the Midland Railway. The Midland Railway Society has said of the livery  ‘’What the company have produced is remarkable. It is without room for contradiction the most accurate reproduction of a Midland Railway engine livery – not withstanding it is a diesel – ever by anywhere other than Derby Works. The level of detail is phenomenal’’. The diesel gala will be the first opportunity for the public to see the locomotive the magnificent locomotive close up.