Severn Valley Railway holds one of its 'busiest galas' with eye-catching locomotives ahead of new summer event

The Severn Valley Railway’s Spring Steam Gala that ran from April 16 to 19 was one of its busiest and most memorable enthusiast events in recent years.

Among the highlights were visiting locomotives Port of Par Judy and LMS ‘Pug’ 11243, whose diminutive proportions and hardworking charm won over crowds as they operated an intensive shuttle service between Bewdley and Kidderminster throughout the gala.

Their presence offered a striking and highly photogenic contrast with the event’s headline attraction, BR 71000 Duke of Gloucester, one of the most powerful express passenger locomotives ever built in Britain.

The gala attracted very strong attendances helped in no small part by the fine spring weather.

SVR managing director Gus Dunster paid tribute to the railway’s staff and volunteers who made the event possible.

He said: “Thanks to everyone across the railway who has been involved in planning and delivering yet another successful and memorable event.

“It was fantastic to see the sheer enthusiasm and enjoyment on the faces of visitors and SVR people alike.”

The next enthusiast event at the SVR is the Spring Diesel Festival which takes place between May 14 and 17, and there is also a brand-new event on the calendar later in the year, with the first Summer Gala event running on the weekend of July 18 and 19.

The weekend rail-fest will feature both guest and home-fleet locomotives operating a busy timetable between Kidderminster and Bridgnorth.

The two-day rail celebration will showcase a lively mix of steam and heritage diesel traction, with up to four visiting locomotives expected to join the line-up.

Kerr Stuart ‘Witch’ class locomotive No 4388 is confirmed as the first guest engine, appearing courtesy of Jack Dibnah and the Foxfield Railway.

For more information and tickets, visit svr.co.uk.