2025 marks the 200th anniversary of the modern railway and, to celebrate, the UK's largest ever gathering of historic rail vehicles will take place in Derbyshire, England.

From left to right: LNER Class A4 (60007) ‘Sir Nigel Gresley’ and Class 50 (50049) ‘Defiance’

Railway 200 is a year-long celebration marking the opening of the Stockton and Darlington Railway (S&DR) on 27 September 1825 – a journey that gave birth to the modern railway. To mark the occasion, Alstom, a global leader in smart and sustainable mobility, is organising a three-day festival at its historic production site in Derby.

On Friday 1st, Saturday 2nd and Sunday 3rd August 2025, Alstom’s historic Litchurch Lane Site will open to the public for the first time in over 50 years. Britain’s biggest and oldest remaining train factory will be home to more than 50 rolling stock exhibits from the past, present and future of the railways.

Merchant Navy Class (35018) ‘British India Line’

Historic locomotives which will appear at 'The Greatest Gathering' include LNER Class A4 (60007) ‘Sir Nigel Gresley’, built in 1937; Merchant Navy Class (35018) ‘British India Line’, built in 1945. Class 37 (37800), ‘Cassiopeia’ diesel-electric locomotive, built in 1963 Class 57 (57307) and ‘Lady Penelope’, originally built in 1965 and rebuilt in 2002.

The first locomotive to run on the S&DR – Locomotion No. 1 – was built by the Newcastle-based Robert Stephenson and Company. It was the first company in the world created specifically to build railway engines and later manufactured several of the first locomotives for other countries around the world. Through successive mergers, Robert Stephenson and Company became part of Alstom in 1989, giving the company a direct link to the dawn of the railways and making it the custodian of a unique legacy. 

Gian Luca Erbacci, Europe Region President at Alstom, said: “The Greatest Gathering, presented by Alstom for Railway 200, is a unique opportunity to celebrate not only the incredible progress of the past two centuries but also the bright future of rail.

“Since 1825, Alstom has played a pivotal role in shaping rail innovation and our Litchurch Lane site remains at the heart of that legacy. This event is about bringing people together to reflect on what we’ve achieved collectively and to inspire the next generation to push the boundaries of what’s possible in sustainable transport.” 

Alongside displays of historic and modern, mainline locomotives, Britain’s biggest rail celebration will also feature rides along Derby’s test track and a variety of narrow-gauge trains will be in operation. Fairground attractions, street food and live music will add to the festival feel.

Elsewhere, layouts staged by some of the biggest names in model railways – including a section of Pete Waterman’s record-breaking Railnuts layout – will take centre stage in the Model Railway Village, while historians and industry leaders will take part in engaging talks and discussions in the Mobility Theatre. Thousands of visitors are expected to be welcomed over the three days.

Derby Litchurch Lane is one of the world’s largest rolling stock factories, and the only UK facility that designs, engineers, builds and tests trains for domestic and export markets. The factory was opened by the Midland Railway in 1876, and the city of Derby has been building trains continually since 1839. In 2022, Derby was chosen by the Government as the home of Great British Railways following a vote by the public between contender cities. 

Emma Roberts, Programme Manager at Railway 200, said: “Railway 200 is once-in-a-generation opportunity to celebrate rail’s role in building connections and driving prosperity.

“Our railways are here for everyone. They bring friends and family together and enable us to enjoy new opportunities and experiences. It’s wonderful that Alstom is marking Railway 200 with this fun-packed festival for everyone to enjoy, in Derby, the new home of the railway.”

All profits from the event will be split between Railway 200’s five chosen charities – Alzheimer's Research UK, Railway Benefit Fund, Railway Children, Railway Mission and Transport Benevolent Fund CIO – and charitable railway heritage partners.

Demand for tickets for The Greatest Gathering is expected to be high, so if you or your group would like to go along, as part of a tailor-made tour of England, or as part of a specialist heritage railway tour, please do contact us today. There will be many other events taking place in 2025 for Railway 200 – get in touch to find out more if you’re planning a visit to the UK.