The Severn Valley Railway’s Autumn Steam Gala, held between 18 and 21 September, has been hailed as a resounding success, attracting over 5,700 visitors across the four-day event.

This was the first major enthusiast event since the full line reopened in July following the repair of a devastating landslip at Mor Brook that cut off the northernmost section. The Gala celebrated the SVR’s 60th anniversary with an ambitious and atmospheric programme of steam-powered action. The centrepiece of the Gala was a spectacular 60-hour continuous running schedule, with locomotives in action day and night from early Friday morning through to Sunday evening, bringing back overnight running for the first time in several years.

“We delivered another showpiece event,” said Jonathan ‘Gus’ Dunster, the SVR’s managing director. “The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. It was heartening to see the level of support and enthusiasm, particularly given the challenges of some adverse weather and a few late-running services. We’ll certainly look at the learning points for the future, but overall, this was a standout Gala.”

One of the most talked-about moments of the event was the rare pairing of two National Coal Board locomotives. GWR Port Talbot Tank No 813, temporarily renumbered as NCB No 11 and fitted with authentic NCB detailing, joined visiting locomotive NCB No 49 from the Tanfield Railway for a double-header that evoked the industrial past in evocative style.

“The return of 813 in its Backworth guise at No 11, alongside the visiting No 49, was a very special moment for our Autumn Gala,” added Gus. “It was a rare opportunity to see two NCB locomotives from the same depot working together again.”

The Gala also welcomed other headline-making locomotives, visiting the SVR for the first time. Merchant Navy 35006 ‘Peninsular and Oriental S. N. Co’ drew significant crowds, marking the first ever appearance of a Merchant Navy class engine at the railway. BR Standard Class 5 73082 ‘Camelot’ also impressed visitors with its debut run along the Severn Valley line, as did the Jinty, 47383.

The guest engines joined a strong home fleet including 4930 ‘Hagley Hall’, 7802 ‘Bradley Manor’, 7714, 13268, 75069, and 1450 operating as an Autotrain, offering an impressive variety of heritage steam operations.

“This was a strongly supported and very well-received event,” said Gus. “Well done to everyone across the whole railway – your efforts are very greatly appreciated. Events like this don’t come together without a huge team effort from staff, volunteers, and our many supporters.”

The Severn Valley Railway is in full preparation mode for its next major enthusiast event, the Autumn Diesel Bash, which takes place between 2 and 5 October, celebrating 65 years of Class 37 locomotives, and which promises up to 10 visiting Class 37s.