A new Class 99 freight locomotive, described as the UK’s most advanced diesel and electric hybrid locomotive, has hauled its first passenger train on the Swanage Railway after making a surprise appearance at the heritage line’s annual Diesel Gala and Beer Festival.

The popular gala attracted railway enthusiasts from across the country and ran from 8 to 10 May 2026. Seven locomotives travelled to the Purbeck branch line directly from the national network.

An intensive three-train timetable operated across most of the nine-mile railway, with services running beyond Norden and Furzebrook to the River Frome near Wareham. Meanwhile, the beer festival at Corfe Castle railway station welcomed visitors with a selection of 40 Dorset ales and 10 ciders to choose from.

Operated by GB Railfreight, the multi-million-pound locomotive was built by Stadler in Valencia, Spain, and has yet to enter service on the national railway network. The working marked the first occasion a Class 99 had hauled a passenger train in the United Kingdom.

Designed to reduce CO2 emissions by 50%, the locomotive joined eight heritage diesel locomotives and a pioneering push-pull train, demonstrating Britain’s transition from steam to diesel traction during the 1960s.

“Our Diesel Gala and Beer Festival has been nothing short of phenomenal. We’ve welcomed record-breaking visitor numbers, seen incredible support from enthusiasts and families alike and created an amazing atmosphere across the railway.

“Events like this are about far more than trains – they bring people together, support our local economy and help secure the future of the Swanage Railway as we celebrate our 50th year.

“A huge thank you goes to our volunteers, staff, visiting locomotive crews, traders and everyone who travelled to be part of it. So much work happens behind the scenes to deliver an event of this scale and I’m incredibly proud of what the whole team has achieved together. The atmosphere across the railway has been absolutely outstanding.”

Abbie King, Swanage Railway Chief Executive Officer.