Alstom has announced plans to host the largest gathering of historic rail vehicles in the UK, titled The Greatest Gathering, to mark the 200th anniversary of the modern railway. The event will take place from Friday, August 1 to Sunday, August 3, 2025, at Alstom’s historic Litchurch Lane site in Derby, which will open to the public for the first time in over 50 years. More than 50 trains from across the past, present, and future of rail will be showcased at the UK’s oldest remaining train factory.
The Greatest Gathering is part of the wider Railway 200 celebrations, commemorating the opening of the Stockton and Darlington Railway in 1825, which marked the birth of the modern railway system. The event promises to be a once-in-a-generation celebration of the UK’s rail heritage, offering visitors a chance to reflect on the progress of the railway industry and explore its future.
Gian Luca Erbacci, Alstom’s Europe Region President, expressed, “This event is an extraordinary opportunity to celebrate the monumental strides made in rail over the past 200 years, while also highlighting the future of sustainable rail travel. Alstom has been at the heart of rail innovation since 1825, and this event serves to inspire future generations to continue pushing the boundaries of what is possible.”
The celebration will feature an array of historic locomotives, including iconic steam, diesel, and electric models. Highlights include the LNER Class A4 ‘Sir Nigel Gresley’, the Merchant Navy Class ‘British India Line’, and modern trains such as the Class 390 Pendolino and Class 701 Aventra, all marking the rich history and future of the railway.
Alongside the trains, visitors will enjoy activities such as rides along Derby’s test track, narrow-gauge train operations, fairground attractions, street food, and live music. The event will also include model railways displays and talks from rail industry experts. Tickets for the event will go on sale on January 31, with proceeds going to five selected charities, including Alzheimer’s Research UK and Railway Children.
