Great Central Winter Steam Gala 22nd-25th January 2026

Cheers. I’ll probably have my dog with me so unlikely to be travelling on the trains if they’re busy so will be observing from the sidelines.

 

Thank you Dan

 

I may attend this gala but won’t be travelling. May I suggest that any photographers do what I do and make a donation at least equivalent to the cost of a day rover ticket. If we all did it over the four days it wouldn’t raise a fortune but could pay for 3 or 4 tons of coal.

 

Are trains running om the Mountsorrel branch? The map in the downloadable leaflet indicates a limited service but the timetable doesn't see to mention anything.

 

In regard to the freight workings, am I right in thinking that the GCR has been rotating it's different freight sets around each year and if so, am I right in thinking that this year it'll be the Windcutters and Tankers?

 

I did read that the van train is being "rested" this year to enable refurbishment/repainting to be carried out on the vehicles in the rake.

 

9F to remain facing north, everything else unchanged AFAIK

 

I don't get involved in petty disputes, but it's been amusing watching all the comments on social media complaining about the locomotive "facing the wrong direction" and how people are saying they will "no longer be attending" because of that - probably many of whom are ones who wouldn't have bought a ticket anyway. The level of entitlement of some people who expect the railway to outlay thousands of pounds for them to turn up and take photos is quite astonishing really.

I for one am glad of something a bit different and will be there regardless of which way things face.

 

We used to spend our visits linesiding, thinking buying a book and a drink was sufficient, I doubt it ever was. We later started to buy a round ticket whether we used it or not. Now physically I can't yomp over path/styles/fences so we travel, get our day rover tickets and grab whatever photographs we can, Acutely aware that running a railway is a well timed and difficult exercise, but it would be good to have locomotives on view to photograph at certain points/times, such as run rounds etc.

 

Now on webpage

Heritage shuttle buses will run from Loughborough Midland (EMR) station to Lovatt House, near Loughborough Central station on the Friday and Saturday of the Winter Gala, but not on the Thursday or Sunday. These buses are free of charge and are open to anyone wishing to travel.

Buses depart Loughborough Midland (EMR) station at: 8.40am, 9.05, 9.40, 10.05, 10.40, 11.00, 3.47pm, 4.07, 4.32, 4.52, 5.22

Buses depart Lovatt House (150yds from Central Station) at: 8.48am, 9.13, 9.48, 10.13, 10.48, 3.20pm, 3.55, 4.15, 4.40, 5.00, 5.30

 

Thanks - but which direction will the buses be facing? (Lights blue touchpaper and retires to a safe distance...)

 

I guess if the engine is in the back it they will being operating in "push mode" or "pull mode" if it is at the front (I will join you at that safe distance!)

 

Midland Red 5905 in reverse all day. All others facing forwards, AFAIK.

 

Do dogs travel for free on gala days?

 

What is on street parking likely to be like at Loughborough on Saturday, or is it better to start at Quorn? Thanks

 

Posted on facebook yesterday:

Extra Parking Available for Winter Steam Gala!
Joining us for our Winter Steam Gala on the 22-25 January? There is now parking available on a former factory site on Great Central Road in Loughborough, on the right hand side just beyond the station bridge. This will be open on the Friday, Saturday and Sunday of the Gala weekend from 8am, £5 per day, cash only.

 

A nice idea in theory, but guarantee it doesn't happen in practice.

 

It does with me and a couple of others I know but by the surprise normally expressed by the booking staff suggests sadly that you are right to a large extent.