Diesel Gala 2026: Iconic locomotives will be star attractions at Yorkshire heritage railway including one featured on Channel 4 and another making its first public appearance in 35 years
The Diesel Gala 2026 at Keighley and Worth Valley Railway (KWVR) will bring together a line-up of visiting and home-fleet locomotives including one that will be making its first public appearance in 35 years.
The visiting and home-fleet locomotives confirmed for the line-up at the Diesel Gala will offer enthusiasts and families a chance to experience some of Britain’s most iconic diesel traction in action along the five-mile heritage railway.
The event will take place from Thursday, June 18 to Sunday, June 21, 2026 and among the star attractions is Class 37 No. 37025, which was recently featured in the Channel 4 series Francis Bourgeois and Chris Harris: We Saved A Train.
Its appearance at the Gala will give visitors the chance to see and travel behind one of the locomotives that captured the imagination of railway enthusiasts across the country.
Another diesel-electric locomotive attracting significant interest is Class 31 No. 31210, which will be making one of its first public appearances following a return to service after 35 years out of traffic.
Heading the visiting fleet is the recognisable Class 55 Deltic No. 55009 Alycidon, one of the legendary locomotives that once dominated East Coast Main Line express services.
It has a distinctive sound and impressive performance and is expected to be one of the highlights of the weekend.
The visiting fleet is completed by Class 50 No. 50049 Defiance, Class 47 No. 47715 Rail Engineering Solutions - Quality Assured, Class 37 No. 37218 and Class 31 No. 31108.
They will be joined by the KWVR’s own diesel fleet, including D9520, 08266 and 08993.
As well as a packed timetable of passenger and goods trains, visitors will also be able to enjoy behind-the-scenes at Haworth Motive Power Depot.
The event is expected to be very popular, with all Brake Van Ride tickets sold out and a limited number of places remain available for the popular Shed Tours, offering a rare opportunity to explore the locomotive depot and get up close to the visiting fleet.
Diesel Gala organiser, Kieran Pilsworth, said: “It's hard to believe we're only a week away now.
“To have locomotives like 55009 Alycidon, 37025 and the recently restored 31210 all appearing at the same event is something we're really excited about.
“The response has been fantastic, with Brake Van Rides already sold out and only a handful of Shed Tour places remaining.
“We're looking forward to welcoming everyone to the Worth Valley and putting on a great show.”
Advance booking is available, with visitors able to save 10 per cent on travel tickets by purchasing them before the event.