The Ffestiniog and Welsh Highland Railways will begin their 2026 ‘Extreme Steam Extravaganza’ Summer Gala with the special ‘Spirit of Steam & Song’ train on 19 June 2026, combining heritage rail travel, live folk music and Welsh whisky. The service departs Porthmadog at 3:10 pm for Caernarfon, hauled by Blanche alongside one of the railway’s Double Engines.

At Caernarfon, visitors can view a projected video display celebrating the history of the Welsh Highland Railway and 75 years of the modern heritage railway movement, inspired by the Talyllyn Railway Preservation Society volunteers of 1951.

The return service departs Caernarfon at 7:30 pm and arrives back in Porthmadog at 9:40 pm. The train is included for Friday Day Rover and 3-Day Rover ticket holders, subject to a £2 supplement booking.

Entertainment will be provided by The Travelling Sessions, a folk collective from the Porthmadog and Tremadog area performing traditional Welsh, Irish and Scottish music alongside contemporary folk, Bluegrass and Cajun-inspired material.

The event marks the launch of the limited-edition ‘Adfywiad Blanche Revival’ whisky, produced with Penderyn Distillery to raise funds for Blanche’s planned restoration. The single cask release will be officially opened before departure, with passengers receiving a complimentary tasting as the train leaves Porthmadog. Bottles will also be available to purchase at Caernarfon station.