The Isle of Wight Steam Railway is opening its 2025 season earlier than normal by holding a special Winter Gala and Dark Ales Festival next week.

Taking place from Thursday, 20th until Sunday, 23rd February, the Winter Gala and Dark Ales Festival will launch a year of events celebrating Railway 200, the 150th anniversary of the Ryde and Newport Railway line, and the centenary of the railway’s iconic flagship locomotive No. W24 Calbourne operating on the Isle of Wight.

The Winter Gala is the chance to commemorate some special landmarks taking place in 2025. It will provide an ideal opportunity for historic London, Brighton & South Coast Railway Terrier 0-6-0 locomotive No. W8 Freshwater to return to service. Freshwater was built in 1877, and has been out of service since 2019 undergoing an extensive overhaul.

Making a move from its usual position on display in Train Story will be Class 05 0-6-0 diesel No. D2554 Nuclear Fred, which will be a number of brake van specials alongside the railway s Clas 03 0-6-0 diesel shunter.

A welcome sight will be 02 Class No. W24 Calbourne hauling passenger trains, as it made only a few brief appearances last after it was fitted with new tyres.

There is no charge to enter Havenstreet station or the Dark Ales Festival. Anyone wishing to travel by train during the event can obtain in advance online or on the day at the Havenstreet booking office.

“This is an amazing year in our history and we are busy planning some great events. The Winter Gala and new Dark Ales Festival marks the start of our 2025 season, and we look forward to celebrating these key milestones for our visitors.”

Marc Morgan Huws, chief executive at Isle of Wight Steam Railway