ELR | Autumn Steam Gala | 16th-18th October 2026

On previous visits .

 

Happy days, was the second one December 1993 / Jan 1994?

 

I can't remember, but we usually went in January.

 

i'd go for Jan 94.
Santa operations would have got in the way during December

 

Clue for the 3rd and final visitor.

"We won’t keep you waiting as long this time, who’s ready for another guest announcement for our 2026 Autumn Steam Gala!

A few teasers to get everyone guessing…

- An ELR debut, the very first time this particular loco is visiting our railway…
- Built the same year that L&Y 1300 entered traffic, and the same year L&Y 752 was rebuilt as a saddle tank locomotive…
- The furthest North that this loco has ever been!..

We can’t wait for this one! Stay tuned at 6pm this evening "

 

SECR O1 No. 65 announced as third guest

 

Hmm, nice decorated machine, hope they don't mind it getting dirty

 

Autumn Steam Gala 2026 - Ride The Goods, By Night!

On Saturday 17th October we are very excited to be running our period 1960’s Goods train late into the evening, watch the sunset over the Irwell Valley, before seeing sparks fly and steam fill the night sky…

Better still, we are offering the best seats in the house by riding on the two Brake vans in the train, these tickets will be a supplement fare and will go on sale with the general release of tickets next week but will be very limited places! The current itinerary for the brake vans is as follows:

17.15 Bury – Rawtenstall Bay Platform with O1 No. 65
18.40 Rawtenstall Bay Platform – Heywood with S15 30506
19.43 Heywood – Ramsbottom with S15 30506
20.20 Ramsbottom – Bury with S15 30506

There will also be another service running even later, so it’ll be a night to remember!

Full details and ticket release for the gala coming next week, keep an eye on social media and our website: https://www.eastlancsrailway.org.uk/events-activities/autumn-steam-gala

 

I hope not too many sparks on the freight to fly as suggested in view of the prevailing conditions, probably a lot of rain to fall before then anyhow.

 

Does anyone know if the visiting engines are staying after the gala? Unfortunately I can't make that weekend

 

Booked on this looking forward to this, another service running later? Guessing you mean a normal service train?

 

Yep a passenger set (provisionally - timetables just being check through atm.) running until around 22:48. You should be able to connect at Bury on your return from the goods, with a full round trip possible.

 

Fantastic, few of us coming up from Kent. Really looking forward to it.

 

Fourth bonus visitor in the form of 'Illingworth'. The loco is booked to feature on Friday and Sunday only.

 

wonder when the timetable with allocations will be out?

 

Very, very shortly. There needed to be some re-drafting but that is just being checked through atm.

 

Thanks

 

Timetables now online: https://www.eastlancsrailway.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/2026-October-Steam-Gala-PTT-V1.2.pdf

 

Footplate rides, Fish & Chip Special and Night Goods all sold out.
Limited amount of tickets remain for the daytime Bury to Ramsbottom Goods Trains and Cream Tea Specials.
Friday morning we'll have our traditional early morning run pasts at Burrs, featuring GWR 7714 on a goods train at around 8:15am. Giving passengers the chance to arrive by train, we'll have a special early morning train booked off Bury at 7:52am hauled by 752, its first train in new L&Y livery.

https://www.eastlancsrailway.org.uk/events-activities/autumn-steam-gala/

 

Illingworth went on a test to Heywood today, completing some shunting duties on its return.