Latest news with #FlyingScotsman
BBC News
16 hours ago
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Everything you need to know about The Greatest Gathering in Derby
The countdown to a new festival - dubbed "the Glastonbury of railways" - is almost over, as more than 40,000 steam enthusiasts prepare to head to Derby for The Greatest event will see more than 40,000 people come together for the three-day event at train manufacturer Alstom in the city. Taking place between Friday and Sunday, it will celebrate the 200th anniversary of the world's first passenger train the locomotives, modern high-speed trains, and technology on display at the Litchurch Lane factory will be the world famous Flying Scotsman. Here's everything you need to know about the event before it opens. What is the event and why is it happening? The Greatest Gathering is a three-day festival, celebrating two centuries of British railway innovation, engineering, and heritage. Organiser Alstom has hailed the event as being the world's largest-ever collection of historic and modern rolling event will bring together more than 140 locomotives and railway vehicles from different part of Railway 200 - a nationwide, year-long celebration commemorating the 200th anniversary of the world's first passenger railway journey. That milestone took place in 1825, with the opening of the Stockton and Darlington will see not only steam giants like the Flying Scotsman, but also modern electric trains such as the Class 390 Pendolino. Where and when is it taking place? The event takes place at Alstom's Litchurch Lane Works in Derby from Friday to Sunday, with opening hours from 10:00 to 16:00 BST each marks the first time the factory has opened its doors to the public in nearly 50 site in Derby is one of the most historic train factories in the UK, and has been building trains since the 19th factory remains the only facility in Britain that designs, engineers, builds, and tests trains on a single site. It will also become the future home of Great British Railways. What can visitors expect to see and do? Visitors in attendance will be able to see more than 140 rolling-stock site will also host exhibitions, rail simulators, a model railway village - curated by record producer and train enthusiast Pete Waterman - as well as interactive family-friendly shuttle buses and food outlets will be available throughout the weekend. What vehicles will be on display? Here are some of the vehicles, which are set to be displayed over the course of the weekend:Locomotion No. 1 - The pioneering steam engine that launched public rail travel on the Stockton and Darlington Railway in 1825, courtesy of the National Railway MuseumMidland Railway No. 1000 - Built in Derby in 1902 and designed by Samuel Waite JohnsonD6700 (Class 37) - The original member of the diesel-electric Class 37 series, built in 1959 and still operationalClass 390 Pendolino (Unit 390119 "Progress") - A modern high-speed electric train from AlstomFurness Railway No. 20 - Britain's oldest working standard-gauge steam locomotive, dating back to 1863 and presented by The Furness Railway Trust Are tickets still available? The event is sold out, with no tickets available on the day. All visitors must have pre-booked released extra tickets in June following high demand, but organisers have confirmed that capacity has now been manufacturer said it would be welcoming more than 40,000 visitors over the three days. How do visitors get there, and is parking available? Visitors are encouraged to use public transport, as there is no general parking on site. The event is about a 10-minute walk from Derby railway station, with signposting along the route.A free vintage shuttle bus service will run between the station and the event entrance on Cathedral Road from 07:00 to 17:00 over the three Badge parking was available in advance but has been fully booked. Organisers advise attendees not to drive to the site unless using pre-arranged accessible transport. Missed out on tickets? Here's what else you can do Derby's Guildhall Market will host a Greatest Gathering fringe event over the weekend to coincide with the and family-friendly, the fringe event will include model railways, games, and heritage displays. Visitors do not need to book tickets in advance - they are encouraged to just turn up and enjoy the celebration of the city's railway history.
ITV News
4 days ago
- ITV News
The World's most famous steam engine reopens the Severn Valley Railway
Part of the line was shut after a landslide in January and thousands of people have booked tickets onto the Flying Scotsman for the line's reopening.
BBC News
4 days ago
- BBC News
Flying Scotsman helps Bridgnorth get back on track
The world-famous Flying Scotsman steamed into Shropshire on Friday, marking the full reopening of one of the county's top tourist Severn Valley Railway (SVR) heritage line, which runs for 16 miles from Bridgnorth to Kidderminster in Worcestershire, had been blocked since January after a major had meant trains could only run from Kidderminster to Hampton Loade, leaving Bridgnorth without the financial boost that thousands of railway passengers bring to the town each to travel on board Flying Scotsman sold out within minutes and the locomotive was then booked for an extra day - with trips now happening from Friday to Monday. Bridgnorth's mayor David Cooper said there was a "strong identity" between the town and the railway. "It does draw a lot of people into the town and it's very much valued by businesses in the town, so we're very grateful that the services are back up and running," he said. Bridgnorth station master Chris Thomas said: "Everyone here has been waiting for this day, and it's marvellous to welcome our first full-line train this season. "During the long months of isolation we've worked hard to keep people coming here and carried out a lot of maintenance and improvement work to keep the station looking good. "But of course, nothing beats a fully joined up railway, and that's what we're celebrating today." SVR managing director Jonathan Dunster said: "Securing the iconic Flying Scotsman to haul our reopening train was the absolute icing on the cake."This is about championing the SVR's spirit of survival, and the many remarkable people associated with it that have helped to bring us to the point of reunifying our line." Because of the current high risk of lineside fires, a Class 20 diesel locomotive provided assistance to Flying Scotsman."The vegetation alongside our line is still very dry, and the last thing we want on this very special day is a spark from Flying Scotsman inadvertently starting a fire," said Mr Dunster."Placing the diesel directly behind the steam loco gives the best level of assistance, which is so important when the train is tackling the infamous incline of Eardington Bank." Follow BBC Shropshire on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.
Daily Record
6 days ago
- Sport
- Daily Record
Gary Anderson shows who he really is after Stephen Bunting misses out on nine-darter
Gary Anderson can sometimes be a prickly figure in the world of darts, but the Flying Scotsman's class was on full display when he faced Stephen Bunting at the World Matchplay Gary Anderson demonstrated true sportsmanship by willing Stephen Bunting on to complete a nine-dart finish at the World Matchplay. The Flying Scotsman came up against the beloved Liverpudlian in the second round at Blackpool. Their thrilling battle saw Bunting edge past the two-time PDC World Champion in a dramatic tie-break and book himself a place in the quarter-final. The most spectacular moment on the oche occurred in the 15th leg, with Bunting ahead 8-6 against Anderson in the first-to-11 contest. Having thrown eight perfect darts, Bunting needed just double 12 to secure a nine-dart finish. Despite the crucial nature of the leg, Anderson could be spotted behind Bunting, urging his rival to achieve the classic nine-dart finish that would have electrified the crowd. When Bunting's dart landed inside for a single 12 rather than the double, the Bullet placed both hands on his head and turned towards Anderson. The Musselburgh ace was grinning in anticipation of Bunting achieving perfection and gestured playfully with his hands and smiled when he missed the final dart. Reflecting on his nine-dart attempt, Bunting said: "It was close, to be fair. "If I had it back, I think it'd be further away! But I feel like I'm playing the best darts of my life. "Even in practice I'm hitting nines and constantly being on for the double. The game's in a great place." Bunting nearly threw away the leg when he squandered two attempts at a double on his subsequent visit, but finally clinched it with a double three. Following considerable back-and-forth action, Bunting secured a 12-10 triumph in the decider with a composed 112 checkout. The duo shared a heartfelt embrace at the conclusion of the match, with Anderson embracing and congratulating Bunting with a handshake. It represented a massive win for Bunting, who readily acknowledged he wasn't firing on all cylinders early in the contest. The world No. 4 said: "I'm not a village idiot anymore who comes here and has a laugh. I'm here to win this title. "I'd be fooling myself if I didn't believe I could win it. I know how good I can be – I've got three good games in the tank, and I've had a great season already." He added: "I think two years ago I'd have capitulated at 10-10. Now I've got that extra power to take a deep breath, relax, and get back to the oche and hit a big shot. "That mental strength is going to stand me in good stead – not just for this tournament, but for everything going forward."
BBC News
7 days ago
- BBC News
How to see the Flying Scotsman as Severn Valley Railway reopens
This week, the Severn Valley Railway fully reopens for the first time since an embankment collapse earlier in the tracks have been re-laid over the newly repaired bridge, the popular heritage railway will reopen on Friday with one of the most iconic trains in the world making an appearance. The Flying Scotsman will be making three return trips a day on Friday, then on Saturday and Sunday, as part of Severn Valley Railway's Swingin' Sixties event, which celebrates the 60th anniversary of the the famous steam train can still be seen at various railway stations and areas across the county for people to enjoy. The Flying Scotsman is described by National Museums Scotland as "the world's most famous train service" and by the National Railway Museum as "the world's most famous steam locomotive".It first entered service in 1923 and broke records by hauling the first non-stop London to Edinburgh service in years later, it became the UK's first locomotive to officially reach a speed of 100mph. How can I see the Flying Scotsman? Severn Valley Railway said the best place to see the famous locomotive was by purchasing Day Rover tickets to their Swingin' Sixties event on Saturday and Sunday - however, separate tickets to ride behind the train have sold those with tickets, the Flying Scotsman trains depart from Kidderminster for one round trip - the train will not be stopping at intermediate stations - at 09:00 BST, 13:00 BST and 17:15 Valley Railway advised people without tickets not to attend Kidderminster or Bridgnorth Station as access was restricted to ticket-holders railway operators also advised people not to access via Northwood Halt and Country Park who wants to see the Flying Scotsman without attending the Swingin' Sixties event is advised to go to one of the following locations:Bewdley StationArley StationArley ArboretumCoombys FarmHighley Station and The Engine HouseWellness Woodlands, HighleySevern Valley Country ParkHampton Loade StationEardington StationEardington Nature Reserve What else is happening at the event? As part of the Swingin' Sixties event on Saturday and Sunday, ticket holders can ride on steam and diesel trains in historical carriages - although tickets to ride behind the Flying Scotsman have sold is the first time visitors will be able to travel over the full Severn Valley Railway between Kidderminster and Bridgnorth, following the landslip and subsequent will be a ferris wheel at The Engine House in Bridgnorth, with live music at The Engine House and the Kidderminster end of the there will be classic cars on display at Kidderminster, The Engine House and include train travel all day and access to the attractions. Follow BBC Shropshire on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.
