The annual GCR Autumn Diesel Gala is back: 4th – 6th September!

Gear up for an action-packed weekend at our annual Autumn Diesel Gala! Our home fleet, including relaunched Class 27 27056, will be joined by three amazing visiting guest locomotives, offering the chance to ride behind an impressive range of traction.

This event is a highlight in any diesel enthusiasts’ calendar and a great day out for families, as we start off the new season with a weekend of diesel traction.

Thursday – BR Green Day
We’re kicking things off with a nostalgic, green-liveried line-up, featuring:
D7018, D9551, D6700, Iris and one more surprise guest!

Three train sets in service:
• A Set – Griddle Car serving hot meals and drinks
• B Set – Enjoy a hand-pulled pint in our newly launched Buffet Bar
• PCLS Set – Classic suburban coaching stock

Plus, Iris will be running special services along the Mountsorrel Branch.

Exclusive Thursday-Only Experience:
Take the controls of Class 10 D4067 at Rothley Carriage & Wagon. Available 10am–3pm. £20 supplement applies.

Friday
Visiting Locos: D7018, D9551, and Guest 3
Home Fleet: 27056, D6535, 37714, D6700, 50017, 55019
DMU Unit: To be confirmed

Four train sets in action, including:
• A Set – Griddle Car with hot meals and drinks
• B Set – Buffet Bar with real ale
• C Set – Grab refreshments at our station tearooms or enjoy a BBQ at Loughborough Central
• PCLS Set – Suburban stock

A busy day with an intensive timetable.

Evening BeerEx: Hauled by D7018.

Saturday
Visiting Locos: D7018, D9551, and Guest 3
Home Fleet: 27056, D6535, 37714, D6700, 50017, 55019
DMU Unit: To be confirmed

Same great four-set operation as Friday with an action-packed timetable.

Evening BeerEx: Hauled by 27056 and Guest 3
Food from the Griddle Car – expect burgers and hot dogs!

Griddle Car + Buffet Car
Take a seat in our original 1960s Griddle Car or our newly relaunched Buffet Car and enjoy a classic railway dining experience. Serving up freshly prepared hot and cold food, it’s the perfect way to enjoy great food while soaking up the sights and sounds of a heritage railway.

Start your journey with a Great Central Railway breakfast, whether it’s a full English, a hearty breakfast bap or classic beans on toast. If you fancy something lighter, we’ve got a selection of sandwiches and other refreshments to keep you going, as well as the cafes and refreshment rooms across the railway open throughout the gala.

Loughborough Central Bar
The Waiting Room bar (located on the platform at our Loughborough Central Station) will be open throughout the Gala, offering a wide and carefully selected range of cask ales and ciders. Please note, the bar is based at Loughborough and not in the tin shed at Quorn.
A full beer list will be released shortly – keep an eye out for it! Don’t forget to pick up an event programme on the day for timings, loco allocations, and more.