The Severn Valley Railway has many reasons to celebrate, following the successful execution and robust attendance of its Autumn Diesel Bash, held from October 3rd to 6th.
Dubbed ‘an almighty celebration of heritage diesels,’ the event was marked by several highlights: the first passenger service in over 22 years for the visiting locomotive 58023, a rare gathering of two Class 25s—with one venturing an exceptionally uncommon trip from its North Yorkshire Moors Railway base.
Moreover, visitors witnessed the Great Western Railway Castle High Speed Train and observed over a dozen members of the SVR’s own diesel fleet.
The event saw an attendance of 4,104 visitors, marking a 12% increase from the previous year and surpassing the event budget expectations by 29%.
“This was a well-planned and well-executed event. Once again, we showed the Severn Valley Railway doing what it does best. The station teams at Arley and Hampton Loade in particular really got into the spirit of the event with their use of period signage and uniforms!
Other than some minor delays on Friday, the timetable ran like clockwork and we managed very well the few locomotive issues that occurred.
Feedback from visitors during the event and subsequently online has been overwhelmingly positive. I would like to thank everyone across the SVR for their efforts in making this such a success. Well done, it is really appreciated.“
SVR managing director Jonathan ‘Gus’ Dunster
The event received widespread acclaim on social media, exemplified by a comment from a father who took his young son to the event, to which he posted:
“Seeing the hard work and passion all the volunteers bring at the SVR is a real thing of beauty and a very special community.
Seeing your son so engrossed and loving life, it doesn’t get any better!”
The Severn Valley Railway is excited for upcoming events over the half-term and Christmas holidays, with two more enthusiast events to conclude the running season, featuring a Winter Diesel Day on December 30, and a Winter Steam Gala on January 4 and 5.
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