Back in 1963, the life and work of Sir Nigel Gresley were honoured through the creation of the Gresley Society Trust.

They have now announced that in 2026, they will be hosting a year-long celebration which will mark 150 years since the birth of the engineer.

From designing locomotives such as the Flying Scotsman and Mallard, Gresley’s name and work continue to inspire across the railway world.

The celebration, entitled “A Legacy of Innovation, Speed and Elegance”, will be hosted in collaboration with Doncaster City Council and other railway organisations.

It will see a series of events hosted to commemorate his life and work.

An event in the form of a Symposium and Gala Dinner is planned for June 2026. It will feature respected speakers who will explore his history and achievements.

The event will be 1930s themed, with menus inspired by famous LNER locomotives such as ‘The Coronation’.

Tickets vary depending on member status, and spaces are limited.

They have made an application to the Heritage Fund to help support the celebrations, which include:

• A plaque is to be installed at Doncaster on Gresley’s birthday
• An exhibition
• A short film
• and much more!

Further information on the celebrations can be found here. Registrations for the symposium and dinner need to have a completed RSVP by the 30th of April 2026.

“Sir Nigel Gresley’s visionary designs, from the world-famous Flying Scotsman and record-breaking Mallard through to the streamlined trains of the 1930s, transformed the railway industry and continue to captivate enthusiasts worldwide. This 150th anniversary celebration is a fitting tribute to his legacy of innovation, speed and elegance, bringing together our members, partners, and the wider railway community to honour his remarkable contributions.”

Philip Benham MBE, FCILT, Chairman of The Gresley Society Trust