Heat Moves Steam Gala to New Date

Risks of Dry Conditions Change Historial date

Unfortunately, because of the excessive dry weather, the recent ban on steam locomotive operations at Leighton Buzzard Narrow Gauge Railway is to continue. Despite some rain in sight at the ‘end of the tunnel’, in common with most other heritage railways, the steam ban has been introduced for safety until conditions change.

All the scheduled services will continue to run as planned with diesel locos until a return to steam is deemed safe.

The railway’s executive committee has decided that to avoid uncertainty for visitors the Autumn Steam Gala will move from its usual September Weekend to Saturday 24th and Sunday 25th October.

The plan for the weekend will remain the same – all steamable locomotives at the railway will be used over that weekend. Celebrating the 25th anniversary of the twinning of Leighton Buzzard Railway with the Froissy, Cappy and Dompierre Railway in France they are expected visiting engine of French heritage (subject to confirmation) to give this Gala a French connection.

A benefit of the later date of the Gala will be the last trains will run at dusk which will hopefully afford some excellent photo opportunities for enthusiasts.

Leighton Buzzard Narrow Gauge Railway is currently operating train services from its station at Page’s Park on Sundays, Wednesdays and Thursdays throughout the school holidays. And don’t forget you can come and ride a special non-stop express train to meet ‘Bluey’ who is coming to the railway on Sunday 6th September

To book tickets for all these events go to www.buzzrail.uk

featured image: In action over Gala Weekend, de Winton vertical boiler engine ‘Chaloner’ leaving Page’s Park during the last Gala. She will be 150 years old next year. Photo credit : Graham Nuttall