Welshpool and Llanfair Light Railway are preparing for the return of their Annual Gala in early September. They held a similar event last year, which was very successful.

The Gala consists of a variety of attractions, such as steam traction engines, vintage cars, and model railways.

Just out of its restoration and relaunch in May 2022 will be Sittingbourne and Kemsley Light Railway‘s locomotive ‘Premier’ as the headlining act.

Built back in 1905, Premier is just three years younger than some of their own locomotives, The Earl and Countess.

Premier worked at Bowaters Paper Mill and has never operated on another railway. The locomotive recently underwent a £120,000 restoration which was completed by volunteers.

Premier will be hauling a range of passenger trains over the gala weekend and will be ticketed with a small supplement ticket for those with event rover tickets.

Full details of the event and tickets (with timetables due for publication shortly) can be found over on their website at https://wllr.org.uk/annual-gala-2022/

Are you thinking of attending the Gala? Let us know in the comments below.