Steam Returns to Leighton Buzzard Narrow Gauge Railway for Autumn Gala

Steam locomotives are returning to the Leighton Buzzard Narrow Gauge Railway after restrictions imposed during the dry summer were finally lifted, paving the way for a spectacular Autumn Steam Gala on Saturday 24 and Sunday 25 October.

The lifting of the steam ban means that all remaining operating days this year can once again feature steam power. It is particularly welcome news for the railway’s Autumn Steam Gala, which was originally scheduled for September but postponed because of the restrictions.

The rescheduled event promises one of the railway’s most exciting gatherings of steam locomotives in recent years, with all four resident steam engines operating alongside several special visitors.

Historic Locomotives Join the Line-Up

Among the visiting locomotives will be Victory, a French-built Decauville engine dating from 1897, travelling from the Bredgar and Wormshill Railway in Kent.

Its appearance will help celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Leighton Buzzard Narrow Gauge Railway’s twinning with the Froissy, Cappy and Dompierre Railway in France.

Another special guest will be Andrew Barclay No. 1919 of 1931, Cegin, visiting courtesy of Statfold Country Park.

Cegin will join the railway’s resident Andrew Barclay locomotives, Doll and Gertrude, marking the first time all three engines have been together. The sight of three Andrew Barclay locomotives operating during the same weekend promises to be a particular highlight for railway enthusiasts.

A Wartime Locomotive Returns

The gala will also welcome the historic WDLR303, Hunslet 1215 of 1916, courtesy of the War Office Locomotive Trust and Apedale Valley Light Railway.

The locomotive last visited Leighton Buzzard in 2019, shortly after returning to steam for the first time in preservation, as part of the railway’s centenary celebrations.

This return visit offers an exciting new opportunity to see the locomotive tackle Munday’s Hill, a section of the railway that was not open during its previous appearance.

The locomotive also has a special historical connection to Leighton Buzzard. Engines of this class were used when the Leighton Buzzard Light Railway first opened, before being replaced by the now-iconic Simplex diesel locomotives.

Autumn Steam Gala Tickets

An intensive timetable of steam-hauled services is planned across both days, giving visitors plenty of opportunities to see and travel behind the historic locomotives.

Tickets for individual trains are available to book in advance through the railway’s website at www.buzzrail.uk.

Day and weekend rover tickets will also be available to purchase on the day from the station building.

As with all heritage railway events, locomotive appearances are subject to availability on the day.

Halloween Fun Follows the Steam Gala

The railway’s autumn celebrations will continue the following weekend, with Spooky End of Season Specials on Saturday 31 October and Sunday 1 November.

The two-day Halloween event will feature themed activities for families, with visitors encouraged to dress in costume and join the fun.

At Page’s Park, children can take part in a grave-robbing treasure hunt, searching for buried surprises.

At Stonehenge Works, visitors will need to put their puzzle-solving skills to the test, finding hidden letters and unscrambling them to reveal a mystery word and win a prize.

With the return of steam, an impressive collection of historic locomotives and a weekend of Halloween activities, the railway has plenty planned to round off its operating season.

For tickets and further information, visit www.buzzrail.uk.

Image: Victory by Kieran Hardy