Founded by Llangollen railway enthusiast Keith Potts in 2021, the Llangollen Garden Railway Festival is set to take place at Llangollen Pavilion, LL20 8SW, on Saturday, June 6, from 10 am to 4:30 pm.

The event will showcase some of the country’s leading large-scale model railway layouts alongside more than 40 specialist retailers and traders.

An important addition for 2026 is a partnership with the Llangollen and Corwen Railway, with visitors encouraged to enjoy both attractions during the weekend. Festival ticket holders will receive £3 off travel on the heritage railway on June 6 and 7, while a programme of joint activities is also planned.

As part of the collaboration, the acclaimed ‘Crovan’s Gate’ layout will be displayed at Llangollen Railway Station. Created by railway modeller Terry Newhouse, the layout is based on the Railway Series books by the Rev. W. Awdry and depicts the junction where the narrow gauge Skarloey Railway meets the standard gauge network on the fictional Island of Sodor

The highly detailed model features the narrow gauge engine shed and exchange wharf, and is widely regarded as one of the UK’s finest Thomas-inspired layouts.

Tickets to the Garden Railway Festival are £14, with doors open from 10 am and last entry at 4 pm.

“It makes perfect sense for the Llangollen and Corwen Railway and the Llangollen Garden Railway Festival to work positively together. We share the same enthusiasm for railways and for bringing visitors to the town. The festival has established itself as one of the UK’s leading events for garden railway enthusiasts and we’re proud to be supporting it. By working together, we can offer visitors an even bigger railway experience, combining outstanding model railway displays with a journey on one of Britain’s most scenic heritage railways.”

David Hennigan, Trust Manager of the Llangollen and Corwen Railway.