The Severn Valley Railway in Worcestershire / Shropshire are preparing to host a Modern and Heritage traction weekend this week on Saturday 6 and Sunday 7 September.

This special weekend, arranged in collaboration with GBRf (GB Railfreight), will see visiting diesel Motive power running on the 16-mile heritage railway along with resident diesel locomotives and one steam engine.

Other events will be taking place across the railway over this weekend, a first come first served behind the scenes guided tours of the diesel depot at Kidderminster will be taking place at 10 am and 3 pm on both days, with tours starting from the car park end of the Coalyard Miniature Railway.

A small beer festival will also be taking place on the platform at Kidderminster.

Further along the line at Highley in the ‘Engine House’, in collaboration with Hornby Magazine, a model railway exhibition will be taking place.

Normal fares will be in place across the weekend, with day rover tickets and short journey return and single tickets also available to buy in advance or on the day.

With this being a not-for-profit event, any profits raised during the course weekend will be donated to Great Ormond Street Hospital.

“Throughout the weekend, passengers will be able to travel behind a variety of mainline diesel locomotives from the GB Railfreight fleet, including 73107, 73136, 66710, 66719 and 69015. These will operate alongside members of the SVR’s own home fleet and will include steam locomotive GWR 4930 ‘Hagley Hall’ and Class 40, 50 and 52 diesel locomotives as well as the Diesel Multiple Unit.

We have very strong links with GBRf, and it’s thanks to their support that we’re able to offer this rare and rather special opportunity to travel behind locomotives that usually haul freight around the country. What’s also very pleasing is that we’re raising money at the same time for Great Ormond Street Hospital, an extremely deserving cause.”

SVR managing director Jonathan ‘Gus’ Dunster

The Severn Valley Railway’s 60th anniversary year is finishing strongly, having re-opened the line following a major landslip and bridge collapse at the start of the year.

They have held several events already throughout their 2025 operating season, including diesel galas, Lego and vintage transport weekends, along with many others. They are also hosting a 60-hour Autumn Steam Gala on Thursday, 18, to Sunday, 21, September