Latest news with #Railway200
BBC News
18 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.
Business News Wales
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Business News Wales
Royal Mint Releases Commemorative Coin to Celebrate 200 Years of British Railways
The Royal Mint has released a new commemorative coin celebrating the 200th anniversary of Britain's modern railway, with train enthusiast and social media personality Francis Bourgeois striking the first coin. Francis, whose genuine passion for trains has captivated millions across social media, was a natural choice for the striking, The Royal Mint said. The collectible £2 coin features the iconic Locomotion No. 1 which first steamed along the Stockton and Darlington Railway in 1825. Previously included in The Royal Mint's 2025 annual coin sets, this special edition has now been released as a standalone collectible. The detailed design depicts Locomotion No. 1 on the historic opening day of the Stockton and Darlington Railway, capturing a moment that transformed British transportation. Each coin features the edge inscription 'ACTIVE · LOCOMOTION NO 1' as a tribute to the revolutionary locomotive, offering collectors a tangible piece of British industrial heritage. Francis shared the striking ceremony with his millions of followers on TikTok, introducing many young enthusiasts to the hobby of coin collecting while celebrating his own passion for railways. Rebecca Morgan, Director of Commemorative Coin at The Royal Mint, said: 'Coin collecting, much like Francis's dedication to trains, brings together people who share a passion for history and heritage. Both hobbies offer a fascinating window into our nation's past and provide communities where enthusiasts can share knowledge and excitement. We've seen tremendous interest from collectors of all ages who appreciate how coins can commemorate significant moments like the birth of modern railways, making this standalone release a celebration not just of railway history, but of the joy of collecting itself.' Emma Roberts, programme manager for Railway 200, said: 'Having a commemorative coin from The Royal Mint is a huge honour. We're delighted that the vital role of the railway on our lives is being recognised in this way. The opening of the Stockton and Darlington Railway two centuries ago accelerated a rail revolution around the world. That historic moment helped to shape the past, present and future of rail and deserves to be commemorated in this bicentenary year.' The commemorative coin is available in a range of finishes including gold and silver editions, alongside a standard brilliant uncirculated version, with prices starting from £17.50. There are no plans for the coin to enter general circulation.
The Irish Sun
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
New ‘trains of the future' revealed with cinema-style screens and onboard nap pods
FANCY whizzing through the countryside with 360-degree views of the landscape through glass-to-ceiling windows? Or perhaps, getting your10,000 steps in as you travel from London to Penzance? 5 Train operator LNER has predicted what the future of travel could look like in 2075 Credit: Mischief PR MHP Group 5 Passengers could expect to see 'nap pods' and onboard cinema-style screens Credit: Mischief PR MHP Group Well, these things could appear on trains in the UK in the future , according to As part of the Railway 200 celebrations, which celebrate 200 years of modern railways, LNER and applied futurist Tom Cheesewright have predicted what we could see from trains in 2075. According to Cheesewright, in 2075 train carriages will have a focus on maximum comfort, entertainment and wellness. Instead of just transporting passengers from A to B as most trains do now, train travel could be an experience that promotes passenger Read more on travel inspo As such, trains could feature floor-to-ceiling windows, with 360-degree views of the landscape. Of 2,000 people asked, 57 per cent expressed how they would like this, commenting that gazing out at the countryside is often their favourite thing to do whilst on a train. And 60 per cent said they need constant entertainment whilst travelling. As a result, carriages could feature Most read in News Travel 'Nap pods' might feature too - which 22 per cent expressed they wanted as well. Speed remains a top priority for travellers , with 66 per cent declaring this is why they opt for Most glamourous train carriage in the world revealed with disco balls, library and private tearoom Cheesewright predicts that new technologies could help trains to become faster, slashing travel times considerably. This would start by making trains more aerodynamic, with complicated things like quantum computing and AI being used together to test thousands of designs at the same time. New materials could also help, with laboratories creating 'super-stiff' composites that can be made to a specific shape. And 3D technology could be used to print metals for the trains. Cheesewright added that the customer experience of getting to and on the train could improve as well. This could include facial recognition replacing ticket barriers. 5 There could even be facial recognition instead of ticket barriers Credit: Mischief PR MHP Group 5 LNER's 'Train of the Future' will be open for people to actually visit Credit: Mischief PR MHP Group Many travellers who were asked (44 per cent) shared how sitting back and relaxing is one of the main selling points of train travel. As such, 'smart' seats could be introduced in the future - where the seats would adjust to the customers' microenvironment, with temperature options and different seat firmness levels to choose from. The seats could also pre-save customer preferences. And for those who hate to sit still, there could be the option to book a 'treadmill seat' where passengers can get their steps in on All of Cheesewright's predictions have been brought to life in a first-of-its-kind train from LNER called the 'Train of the Future'. The futuristic train will be on show at The top 10 future train advancements Brits would most like to see on trains LNER asked 2,000 people what they wanted to see on trains in the future, and here is what they said. Cinema-style onboard entertainment - 36 per cent Wellness carriages - 23 per cent On train nap pods - 22 per cent Pre-programmed smart seats - 22 per cent Pet zones - 21 per cent Self-balancing food trays - 21 per cent Family playrooms - 19 per cent Odourless food - 19 per cent Onboard concierge for destination recommendation - 16 per cent Neurodivergent-friendly areas - 16 per cent Rachel Pope, head of digital experience strategy for LNER, said: "It's a very special year for the railway industry, we're participating in nationwide festivities, including various exhibitions showcasing the impact of the railways on society and celebrating the past, present, and future of rail travel." Tom Cheesewright, applied futurist said: "The train journey of the future will be smooth from start to finish, aided by AI planning, "The train of the future will look like a science-fiction marvel: swooping and organic, powerful and quiet, and with an onboard experience that connects us to the countryside around us, or the digital world, or even a seamless combination of the two." The LNER 'Train of the Future' will be open from 9am to 5pm in London's King's Cross Station from July 30 to August 1. Railway 200 started in January and celebrates 200 years of the modern railway. Across 2025, the celebration will see a number of different events and activities for the public to get involved in. There is also a Plus, 5 People can explore the train from July 30 to August 1 at London King's Cross Station Credit: Mischief PR MHP Group
Scottish Sun
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
New ‘trains of the future' revealed with cinema-style screens and onboard nap pods
Including the top 10 advancements Brits want the most TRACK ON New 'trains of the future' revealed with cinema-style screens and onboard nap pods Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) FANCY whizzing through the countryside with 360-degree views of the landscape through glass-to-ceiling windows? Or perhaps, getting your10,000 steps in as you travel from London to Penzance? Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 5 Train operator LNER has predicted what the future of travel could look like in 2075 Credit: Mischief PR MHP Group 5 Passengers could expect to see 'nap pods' and onboard cinema-style screens Credit: Mischief PR MHP Group Well, these things could appear on trains in the UK in the future, according to LNER. As part of the Railway 200 celebrations, which celebrate 200 years of modern railways, LNER and applied futurist Tom Cheesewright have predicted what we could see from trains in 2075. According to Cheesewright, in 2075 train carriages will have a focus on maximum comfort, entertainment and wellness. Instead of just transporting passengers from A to B as most trains do now, train travel could be an experience that promotes passenger health and wellbeing. As such, trains could feature floor-to-ceiling windows, with 360-degree views of the landscape. Of 2,000 people asked, 57 per cent expressed how they would like this, commenting that gazing out at the countryside is often their favourite thing to do whilst on a train. And 60 per cent said they need constant entertainment whilst travelling. As a result, carriages could feature augmented reality with surreal scenes and gamification options, in the future as well as cinema-style screens - which 22 per cent said they would like. 'Nap pods' might feature too - which 22 per cent expressed they wanted as well. Speed remains a top priority for travellers, with 66 per cent declaring this is why they opt for train travel. Most glamourous train carriage in the world revealed with disco balls, library and private tearoom Cheesewright predicts that new technologies could help trains to become faster, slashing travel times considerably. This would start by making trains more aerodynamic, with complicated things like quantum computing and AI being used together to test thousands of designs at the same time. New materials could also help, with laboratories creating 'super-stiff' composites that can be made to a specific shape. And 3D technology could be used to print metals for the trains. Cheesewright added that the customer experience of getting to and on the train could improve as well. This could include facial recognition replacing ticket barriers. 5 There could even be facial recognition instead of ticket barriers Credit: Mischief PR MHP Group 5 LNER's 'Train of the Future' will be open for people to actually visit Credit: Mischief PR MHP Group Many travellers who were asked (44 per cent) shared how sitting back and relaxing is one of the main selling points of train travel. As such, 'smart' seats could be introduced in the future - where the seats would adjust to the customers' microenvironment, with temperature options and different seat firmness levels to choose from. The seats could also pre-save customer preferences. And for those who hate to sit still, there could be the option to book a 'treadmill seat' where passengers can get their steps in on long journeys. All of Cheesewright's predictions have been brought to life in a first-of-its-kind train from LNER called the 'Train of the Future'. The futuristic train will be on show at London King's Cross Station for three days between July 30 and August 1. The top 10 future train advancements Brits would most like to see on trains LNER asked 2,000 people what they wanted to see on trains in the future, and here is what they said. Cinema-style onboard entertainment - 36 per cent Wellness carriages - 23 per cent On train nap pods - 22 per cent Pre-programmed smart seats - 22 per cent Pet zones - 21 per cent Self-balancing food trays - 21 per cent Family playrooms - 19 per cent Odourless food - 19 per cent Onboard concierge for destination recommendation - 16 per cent Neurodivergent-friendly areas - 16 per cent Rachel Pope, head of digital experience strategy for LNER, said: "It's a very special year for the railway industry, we're participating in nationwide festivities, including various exhibitions showcasing the impact of the railways on society and celebrating the past, present, and future of rail travel." Tom Cheesewright, applied futurist said: "The train journey of the future will be smooth from start to finish, aided by AI planning, ticketless travel, and floor to ceiling windows. "The train of the future will look like a science-fiction marvel: swooping and organic, powerful and quiet, and with an onboard experience that connects us to the countryside around us, or the digital world, or even a seamless combination of the two." The LNER 'Train of the Future' will be open from 9am to 5pm in London's King's Cross Station from July 30 to August 1. Railway 200 started in January and celebrates 200 years of the modern railway. Across 2025, the celebration will see a number of different events and activities for the public to get involved in. There is also a £5 scenic train journey in the UK right along the coastline – where waves crash against the windows. Plus, 12 of Europe's most beautiful train journeys are in Britain – with Victorian carriages and stargazing.
The Sun
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Sun
New ‘trains of the future' revealed with cinema-style screens and onboard nap pods
FANCY whizzing through the countryside with 360-degree views of the landscape through glass-to-ceiling windows? Or perhaps, getting your10,000 steps in as you travel from London to Penzance? 5 5 Well, these things could appear on trains in the UK in the future, according to LNER. As part of the Railway 200 celebrations, which celebrate 200 years of modern railways, LNER and applied futurist Tom Cheesewright have predicted what we could see from trains in 2075. According to Cheesewright, in 2075 train carriages will have a focus on maximum comfort, entertainment and wellness. Instead of just transporting passengers from A to B as most trains do now, train travel could be an experience that promotes passenger health and wellbeing. As such, trains could feature floor-to-ceiling windows, with 360-degree views of the landscape. Of 2,000 people asked, 57 per cent expressed how they would like this, commenting that gazing out at the countryside is often their favourite thing to do whilst on a train. And 60 per cent said they need constant entertainment whilst travelling. As a result, carriages could feature augmented reality with surreal scenes and gamification options, in the future as well as cinema-style screens - which 22 per cent said they would like. 'Nap pods' might feature too - which 22 per cent expressed they wanted as well. Speed remains a top priority for travellers, with 66 per cent declaring this is why they opt for train travel. Cheesewright predicts that new technologies could help trains to become faster, slashing travel times considerably. This would start by making trains more aerodynamic, with complicated things like quantum computing and AI being used together to test thousands of designs at the same time. New materials could also help, with laboratories creating 'super-stiff' composites that can be made to a specific shape. And 3D technology could be used to print metals for the trains. Cheesewright added that the customer experience of getting to and on the train could improve as well. This could include facial recognition replacing ticket barriers. 5 5 Many travellers who were asked (44 per cent) shared how sitting back and relaxing is one of the main selling points of train travel. As such, 'smart' seats could be introduced in the future - where the seats would adjust to the customers' microenvironment, with temperature options and different seat firmness levels to choose from. The seats could also pre-save customer preferences. And for those who hate to sit still, there could be the option to book a 'treadmill seat' where passengers can get their steps in on long journeys. All of Cheesewright's predictions have been brought to life in a first-of-its-kind train from LNER called the 'Train of the Future'. The futuristic train will be on show at London King's Cross Station for three days between July 30 and August 1. The top 10 future train advancements Brits would most like to see on trains LNER asked 2,000 people what they wanted to see on trains in the future, and here is what they said. Rachel Pope, head of digital experience strategy for LNER, said: "It's a very special year for the railway industry, we're participating in nationwide festivities, including various exhibitions showcasing the impact of the railways on society and celebrating the past, present, and future of rail travel." Tom Cheesewright, applied futurist said: "The train journey of the future will be smooth from start to finish, aided by AI planning, ticketless travel, and floor to ceiling windows. "The train of the future will look like a science-fiction marvel: swooping and organic, powerful and quiet, and with an onboard experience that connects us to the countryside around us, or the digital world, or even a seamless combination of the two." The LNER 'Train of the Future' will be open from 9am to 5pm in London's King's Cross Station from July 30 to August 1. Railway 200 started in January and celebrates 200 years of the modern railway. Across 2025, the celebration will see a number of different events and activities for the public to get involved in. There is also a £5 scenic train journey in the UK right along the coastline – where waves crash against the windows. Plus, 12 of Europe's most beautiful train journeys are in Britain – with Victorian carriages and stargazing.
