Norfolk's Bressingham Steam Preservation Company is preparing for the May Day Bank Holiday weekend and one of its most hotly anticipated events of the year – the Heritage Steam Gala.
The gala takes place on Saturday 29 and Sunday 30 April, and Monday 1 May, and aims to operate all four railways (three narrow gauge, one standard gauge). The gala is aiming to feature twenty road steam engines, steam farmyard demonstrations and a mixture of stationary and portable engines running.
The Fen Railway will have ex Penrhyn Avonside ‘Marchlyn' and new-build quarry Hunslet ‘Jack Lane' visiting from the Statfold Barn Railway. This will enable one of the oldest quarry Hunslets, ‘Gwynedd', to appear with the newest, Jack Lane, in steam together for the first time.
There will be an intensive timetable on the Fen Railway with a total of five steam locomotives running a mixture of passenger, freight and double headers throughout each of the three days.
This takes place alongside the fabulous Bressingham Gardens, Victorian Gallopers, museum and exhibition buildings, plus the opportunity to see progress on current restoration projects.
This is always one of Bressingham's most popular events of the year, and last year's featured on a RailAdvent DVD., you can click here to watch the trailer.
Season Ticket holders do not need to book, and may just turn up. Everyone else can save money and time by booking online in advance on Bressingham's website. Visitors can choose from entry-only or ride-inclusive tickets.
The Company says, “Now, if you thought a Steam Gala was only for steam enthusiasts then you'd definitely be wrong! Sure, our ardent steam fans might get excited about each wonderful nitty-gritty detail of the event but who doesn't love seeing big steam engines up close?
“You can't fail to be impressed by their size and power, and to be mesmerised by their wonderful rhythmic action.
Breathe deep that wonderfully evocative smell of steam and your heart will beat a little bit faster and your smile will grow a lot wider. Before you know it, you'll be as hooked as we are! It can happen at any age – young or old!”
