England’s Great Central Railway has confirmed its Annual Winter Steam Gala from 22 to 25 January 2026 with three visiting locomotives joining the home fleet. Battle of Britain class No. 34072 ‘257 Squadron’ from Swanage Railway and Southern Locomotives Limited will operate passenger and goods trains. BR 9F No. 92134 renumbered as No. 92043 to mark the 60th anniversary of Annesley depot closure will appear courtesy of the Self family and North Yorkshire Moors Railway. 3809/18 Hunslet ‘Austerity’ returns from North Norfolk Railway hire courtesy of Locomotive Maintenance Services.
The four-day event features intensive steam-hauled passenger and goods workings including the Windcutter formation. Refreshments include the Tin Shed Bar at Quorn and Woodhouse serving cask ales ciders hot and soft drinks plus light food. Dining options cover Butler-Henderson Café Ellis Tearoom Refreshment Room at Loughborough Central Platform Tearoom at Rothley and wartime-themed Naafi at Quorn and Woodhouse. Shops museum and emporium at Loughborough remain open. The gala recreates steam-era operations in winter conditions.
Malcolm Holmes General Manager of the Great Central Railway shared “The Winter Steam Gala is always a fantastic way to start the year and we’re delighted to welcome three very special visiting locomotives to join our home fleet. With an intensive timetable a real emphasis on goods workings and the atmosphere you only get from steam in the winter months it’s an event that offers something for everyone whether you’re a lifelong enthusiast or visiting us for the first time.”
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