June 2023 marks a significant milestone for the Great Central Railway, as it commemorates fifty years since dedicated volunteers successfully reintroduced steam trains to the renowned heritage line.
To celebrate this anniversary and envision the future, the railway will host a gala weekend on the 17th and 18th of June, inviting visitors to participate in the festivities.
In addition to the usual extensive service of passenger and freight trains on the railway's exceptional double-track line, the event will feature various displays, exhibitions, and a particular focus on recruiting new volunteers to shape the next fifty years of Great Central history.
An exciting opportunity awaits visitors as they are encouraged to explore the cab of our steam and diesel locomotives at Leicester North station.
Four exclusive films have been commissioned to preserve and share the remarkable story of how trains and passengers returned to the line fifty years ago.
These films will be released on the GCR's official YouTube channel (accessible via the search term “GCROfficial”). Each film will showcase a volunteer recounting the tale using restored archive pictures.
The former Great Central Railway faced closure in 1969 under British Rail. However, a group of dedicated volunteers immediately began efforts to reopen the line, tirelessly campaigning for access.
In 1973, the inaugural train open days were held, followed by the commencement of train operations between Loughborough and Quorn and Woodhouse station in June of the same year.
These initial trains were pulled by a locomotive from the Norwegian State Railways and included an antiquated wooden carriage.
Since those early days, the Great Central Railway has expanded its operations, with trains running to Rothley Station and a newly constructed platform at Leicester North.
A second line was laid to enhance the railway's capacity, transforming it into a double-track railway complete with heritage signalling. Today, the Great Central Railway attracts visitors from all corners of the globe who journey to Leicestershire to experience its unique heritage and charm.
“To mark the moment we've got lots of special things planned,” said Malcolm Holmes, the Great Central Railway's General Manager. “Not only are we going to celebrate with a special gala event featuring a fifty wagon freight train, we're also going to tell the story of our pioneering volunteers, many of whom are still working on the line today.”
“We're also having a special golden ‘glow up' raffle over the summer,” continued Malcolm. “We have fifty wonderful prizes including the chance to learn to drive a steam engine and many more. Our aim to raise fifty thousand pounds to repaint signal boxes and carriages and give ourselves a bit of a facelift for the years ahead. With some money can't buy experiences on offer, tickets will go on sale at the special gala event.”
“We've come a long way,” concluded Malcolm, “but our success has been built on the loyal and continued support of our volunteers, members, shareholders, donors and local stakeholders. Our 50th anniversary gala weekend will be all about celebrating and hopefully welcoming some volunteers who'll be part of the story in the next half a century!”
