Alstom has announced that the new Thomas the Tank Engine documentary, An Unlikely Fandom, will have its UK premiere at The Greatest Gathering.

The documentary explores the influence of the children’s television programme, whilst delving into its origins.

Brannon Carty, director of the documentary, will be flying in from the USA to take part in a Q&A following the screening on the 2nd August.

One of the large paint booths at the site will be transformed into a 250-seat auditorium for the event.

Tickets to the UK premiere of An Unlikely Fandom: The Impact of Thomas the Tank Engine are available to purchase only by existing ticketholders of The Greatest Gathering on Sunday 2 August only. Priced £10 per person (plus booking fees), they are available via the event’s official website and See Tickets.

“For many of us railfans, it was watching episodes of Thomas the Tank Engine as children that drew us into the wonderful world of trains and railways. Therefore, it was only fitting that we shone a spotlight on Thomas and his friends at The Greatest Gathering, and invite the filmmakers to premiere their fantastic documentary at our historic site. For visitors coming to our festival on Saturday 2 August, this will be a perfect way to end their day,” said Ben Goodwin, Director of Communications UK and Ireland at Alstom.

“Collaborating with Alstom for the UK premiere of An Unlikely Fandom is an incredible honour. Longtime fans and newcomers can finally experience the film that moved audiences at our New York premiere in November 2023,” said Brannon Carty, Director of An Unlikely Fandom: The Impact of Thomas the Tank Engine.

He added: “At its core, this documentary tells the story of how one little blue train connects fans across generations, cultures and communities. Sharing our passion project at such a landmark event feels like the perfect way to celebrate Thomas’ 80th anniversary.”