The East Lancashire Railway is set to hold its Summer Diesel Gala which will run from Thursday the 29th of June through to Saturday the 1st of July.

The event is set to see a fantastic array of diesel locomotives from both its home fleet and of course, some special visiting locomotives for what is one of the heritage railway’s most popular events.

Visitors attending the Gala will be able to enjoy rides behind an array of classic diesel locomotives over the three-day event which features a rigorous timetable.

The Gala will also feature the freight service which was first introduced in 2022 and offers a chance to ride and photograph from the brake-vans giving a unique and up-close photo opportunity – this is available on a first-come-first save basis. For details on how to book, please see below.

The latest update for the event has revealed that the ‘Hymek’ Class 35 D7076 will be back in action sporting its newly outshopped BR Blue livery.

Reports of Class 42, D821 ‘Greyhound’ as a visiting locomotive have now been confirmed and will make for a very special opportunity to see the only two surviving ‘Warship’ class locomotives with home fleet locomotive D832 ‘Onslaught’.

Both stunning locomotives will be in the same classic Blue and will be paired up for one of the event’s popular ‘Beer-Excursion’ services and making for an incredible sight and, no doubt, creating an impressive sound!

Visiting locomotives for the Summer Diesel Gala include:

• Class 20, 20305
• Class 37, 37059
• Class 40, 40012 “Aureol”
• Class 42, D821 “Greyhound”

The East Lancashire Diesel Home Fleet includes:

• Class 14, D9531 “Ernest”
• Class 24, D5054 “Phil Southern”
• Class 25, 25279
• Class 28 (Static display at Bury)
• Class 33, 33109 “Captain Bill Smith RNR”
• Class 35, D7076
• Class 37, 37109
• Class 40, D345
• Class 42, D832 “Onslaught”
• Class 45, 45108
• Class 47, 47765
• Class 50, 50015 “Valiant”
• Classic DMU Services

Please note that locomotives and train services are subject to change/availability.

Friday the 30th of June and Saturday the 1st of July will see the extremely popular ‘Beer-Ex’ services operating.

Tickets:

Day Rover tickets can be purchased now with the options of one, two or three days, which provide visitors with the opportunity to ride as many times as they like.

One-Day Tickets:

• Adult: £38 on the day or £34 if booked online
• Child: £24.50 on the day or £22 if booked online
• Family of 1 adult with 2 children: £75 on the day or £67.50 if booked online
• Family of 2 adults with 3 children: £99.50 on the day or £89.50 if booked online

Two-Day Tickets:

• Adult: £64 on the day or £57.50 if booked online
• Child: £41.50 on the day or £37.50 if booked online

Three-Day Tickets:

• Adult: £86 on the day or £77.50 if booked online
• Child: £54.50 on the day or £49 if booked online

To book tickets for the Summer Diesel Gala, please click here:

Brake Van Rides can also be booked for those holding a Summer Diesel Gala Day Rover ticket on the same date as your Brake Van Ride ticket. Brake Van Rides feature a supplementary cost of £20 per person and are only available for the service stated and for one return trip only on the following services:

On Thursday the 29th of June:

• Behind Class 37 37109 on the 07.40  Bury to Rawtenstall Return
• Behind Class 45 45108 on the 09.40 Bury to Ramsbottom Return
• Behind Class 42 D832 on the 11.40 Bury to Ramsbottom Return
• Behind Class 40 D342 on the 13.40 Bury to Ramsbottom Return

On Friday 30th June:

• Behind Class 24 D5054  on the 08.40 Bury to Ramsbottom Return
• Behind Class 35 D7076 on the 1040 Bury to Ramsbottom Return
• Behind Class 14 D9531 on the 1240 Bury to Ramsbottom Return
• Behind Class 40 40012 on the 1440 Bury to Ramsbottom Return

Brake Van rides at the Summer Diesel Gala have specific terms and conditions set out by the East Lancashire Railway and are as follows:

• Age: 18 Years +
• Minimum height: 5ft / 1.52m
• Must be physically able to board and alight the brake van unassisted.
• East Lancashire Railway staff members can refuse travel to anyone not compliant or unfit to travel.
• Due to the age and design of the Brake Vans, we are unable to accept people who require the assistance of a mobility scooter/walking aid or wheelchair.
• Customers will not be permitted to board if they are under the influence of alcohol.

To book Brake Van Ride tickets, please click here.