The North Yorkshire Moors Railway has confirmed the return of its Annual Diesel Gala, scheduled to run from Thursday, 11 June to Sunday, 14 June 2026. The four-day event is set to celebrate Britain’s diesel railway heritage with a busy timetable for services across the heritage line.

The gala is set to welcome visiting locomotives to the line for passengers to experience, alongside North Yorkshire Moors’ own collection. One of which is Class 35 ‘Hymek’ No. D7017, courtesy of The Diesel and Electric Preservation Group Limited at the West Somerset Railway.

Built in 1961 for British Rail Western Region, it entered service in 1962 at Bristol Bath Road and was withdrawn in 1975 during the shift to diesel-electric traction. It later became a notable preservation locomotive, hauling the first publicly subscribed diesel-hauled service in the UK and the first mainline diesel to operate on the preserved WSR in 1977.

Also attending is BR Class 14 D9553, courtesy of Jon Gill. Built at Swindon in 1964–65, the ‘Teddy Bear’ worked industrially at BSC Corby Steelworks before preservation use on heritage lines including the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway and the Caledonian Railway.

Class 20 No. 20166, also courtesy of Jon Gill, was built in 1966 at Vulcan Foundry, later used on Channel Tunnel construction work. It currently carries unbranded Harry Needle Railroad Company and Swietelsky colours.

North Yorkshire Moors Railway’s home fleet will also be in service, including Class 37 No. 37264 in British Rail blue, Class 37 No. 37688 ‘Great Rocks’ in Construction sector livery, and Class 47 No. 47077 ‘North Star’, built at Crewe Works in 1965 and notable for hauling the final scheduled cross-country express on the UK network on 19 August 2002.

Additional attractions include the 1903 North Eastern Railway Electric Autocar No. 3170, brake van rides at Levisham Station, and shuttle services to Whitby.

Ticket prices are as follows:

One-day adult ticket – £45 / Child – £12.50

Two-day ticket, adult – £75 / Child – £17.50

Three-day ticket, adult – £100 / Child – £22.50

Four-day ticket, adult – £120 / Child – £27.50

Multi-day and member discounts available. Plus, an optional donation fare with retail and tea room vouchers.

“This event is a fantastic opportunity to experience the variety of diesel traction in one place. From iconic visiting locomotives to our much-loved home fleet, we’re looking forward to welcoming visitors for four days of intensive services and the unmistakable sights and sounds of Britain’s diesel era.”

Nick Simpson, Head of Mechanical Engineering at NYMR.