Join us from Friday 27th to Sunday 29th of June 2025, for the Hunslet Gala at the Embsay & Bolton Abbey Steam Railway!
This event will be a grand celebration of Britain’s rich industrial heritage and the highlight of our Railway 200 festivities.
Our railway’s longstanding association with industrial locomotives is epitomised by our resident 16” Hunslet, Beatrice, the pride of our fleet.
Building on this legacy, the gala will showcase the evolution of the ‘Fitzwilliam’ Class of Hunslet locomotives, featuring an eclectic locomotive line up ranging from 14” to 18” examples.
The featured locos will be:
- 2705 ‘Beatrice’ & 3794 ‘Cumbria’ from our home fleet.
Visiting locos will include:
- 2409 ‘King George’ from The Didcot Railway Centre.
- 1873 ‘Jessie’ from the Pontypool & Blaenavon Railway.
- 2387 ‘Brookes No 1’ from the Middleton Railway.
- 2890 ‘Douglas’ from Andy Booth/East Lancashire Railway.
On static display in will be our very own locomotive rebuild project NCB S134 ‘Wheldale’.
- 3788 ‘Monkton No1’ cosmetically restored.
- 1440 ‘Airedale’ in pretty much as delivered condition from industry.
The unique assembly will offer a rare opportunity to witness the development of these workhorses that powered Britain’s heavy industry.
Experience an intensive timetable throughout the gala, featuring our beautifully restored MK1 carriages, the impressive LNER Thompson Bar Car and the Vintage Carriage Trust’s Bulleid coach.
A demonstration Goods Train will also be running throughout the weekend, providing a glimpse into the past workings of rail freight transport – brake van rides will of course be available.
At Bolton Abbey station, immerse yourself in a range of industrial-themed model railway layouts and explore trade stands offering modeling products and railway memorabilia
On Saturday evening, indulge on our ‘Hunslet Haddock’ service aboard the Dales Dining set, savouring the finest fish and chips from Bizzie Lizzies as you journey through the picturesque Yorkshire countryside.
Our Box Van Bar at Embsay will be open throughout the weekend – a perfect spot for a few scoops and watch the trains shuffle by.
As the long summer days draw to a close, capture perfect shots during the evening – take advantage of the extended daylight and provide unparalleled photographic opportunities.
This gala promises to be the largest we’ve hosted in recent memory – a true celebration of our industrial past and a key event in the Railway 200 celebrations.
Don’t miss this chance to be part of a historic event that honours the legacy of the railways and their role in shaping our nation’s industrial history.
