Rain has been persistent across Worcestershire and Shropshire, which means that the Severn Valley Railway is able to bring steam operations back safely.

Enthusiasts and general visitors will be pleased to hear that their Autumn Steam Gala will be going ahead as planned thanks to the significant rainfall.

Steam operation was suspended at the start of August but will now be phased back into an everyday sight at the railway with the first steam service running tomorrow (2nd September).

The Autumn Steam Gala is planned for the 17th to 20th September, and the railway has said it is confident it can run the event safely without major concerns about causing lineside fires.

While there was a lack of steam at the railway, the line remained open, operated by its heritage diesel locomotives, providing a unique opportunity to experience more diesel traction.

The railway will continue to monitor risks as steam returns, and additional measures will be in place for the gala to ensure everyone’s safety.

There will be water-spraying trains and fire marshals patrolling at-risk areas along the line.

Further information on the gala can be found on the railway’s website.

“I want to give a huge thank you to all the diesel groups and their volunteers who have picked up every one of our service trains during this challenging period. They have done an absolutely amazing job, keeping our railway moving and our visitors travelling while we waited for conditions to improve.

“Their support has been hugely appreciated, and it’s a great example of the teamwork and commitment that makes the SVR special. We’re now delighted to be able to start bringing our steam locomotives back into operation, and especially pleased that this means the Autumn Steam Gala can go ahead as planned.”

SVR’s chief executive officer Gus Dunster