As a prelude to the festive season and to welcome 2026, the Great Central Railway is running two special events.

This weekend, Saturday, 14th and Sunday, 15th November, The Last Hurrah will enable visitors to enjoy a nostalgic celebration of the heritage railway, with the chance to see vintage locomotives in action. In the New Year, the only surviving Class 9F 2-10-0 with a single chimney, No. Steam locomotive 92134 set for Great Central Winter Gala for the Winter Steam Gala, from Thursday, 22nd to Sunday, 25th January.

Appropriately, the Last Hurrah Gala is the final event before the railway turns its attention to its magical Great Central Santa Express services. The gala promises steam and diesel power in an exciting lineup of locomotives and an intensive timetable.

Locomotives from the railway’s home fleet will be joined by heritage diesel locomotives Class 27 D5370 and Class 35 7018, and long rakes of wagons will feature in a recreation of the Windcutter trains. On Saturday, 15th, Leicester Transport Heritage will operate free services from opposite Leicester’s main line station to the Great Central Railway’s Leicester North station.

During the weekend, the newly restored Refreshment Car will be open, serving hand-pulled pints, bar snacks, and refreshments, and the 1960s-themed Griddle Car will be serving hot food, snacks, and drinks.

The Winter Steam Gala, taking place from Thursday, 22nd to Sunday, 25th January, will feature passenger and freight trains running throughout the day. Frequent services will operate from all the railway stations, and there will also be displays and gala attractions.

Tickets for The Last Hurrah and the Winter Steam Gala are on sale online at www.gcrailway.co.uk.

“After a fantastic year of events, it’s wonderful to be wrapping up the gala season with The Last Hurrah, a true celebration of steam power. The fact that we can also kick off 2026 by welcoming the 9F, a loco that represents the pinnacle of British steam freight design, is something truly special for enthusiasts and visitors alike.”

Malcolm Holmes, General Manager of the Great Central Railway