A special evening examining the future of Britain’s rail industry will take place at the Engine House on Thursday, 14 May, as part of the Severn Valley Railway Spring Diesel Festival.

The event will bring together senior figures from across the sector to consider the long-term legacy of the Greatest Gathering, held in August 2025.

The Greatest Gathering, staged in Derby, marked a milestone in the Railway 200 programme. Over three days, it attracted 45,000 visitors and featured the largest collection of railway vehicles ever assembled in the UK. The Highley event is set to explore how such large-scale occasions can deliver a lasting and meaningful impact for the wider rail industry.

The discussion will be hosted by Gus Dunster, who served on the organising committee for the Derby event. He will be joined by a panel of industry representatives, including Tim Shoveller, Richard Corser, Mike Lamport, Bronnie Clarke, Matthew Thompson, James Shuttleworth and Andrew Skinner.

The panel is expected to address both operational and strategic issues, including industry collaboration, skills development, heritage engagement and attracting new entrants to railway careers. The discussion will form part of a wider evening programme featuring an illustrated presentation revisiting the planning and delivery of the Derby gathering, with contributions from members of the volunteer organising team.

Attendees will travel on a dedicated charter service from Kidderminster Town station to Highley. Departure is scheduled for 5:30 pm following a meet-and-greet and cab visit opportunities.

The outward journey will be hauled by a Class 57 locomotive, with a Class 50 working the return, arriving back at 10 pm. Catering and exclusive event merchandise will be available at the venue.

Proceeds will be shared between charities linked to the Greatest Gathering and the Severn Valley Railway. The festival itself runs from 14 to 17 May, with limited tickets remaining for the legacy evening.

“The Greatest Gathering showed what can be achieved when the whole rail industry works together towards a shared goal. This event gives us the chance to reflect on that success, but more importantly to look ahead; at how we build on that momentum to attract new talent, strengthen partnerships and secure a vibrant future for both the modern and heritage railway.”

Gus Dunster