Swanage Railway Diesel Gala 2025
The 18th annual Diesel Gala and Beer Festival takes place from Friday the 9th to Sunday 11th of May, with a Preview Day on Thursday the 8th.
We will have an intensive service in operation on all three days between Swanage and Norden only. Unfortuntately, we are not able to run trains between Norden and our Network Rail Boundary this year. This is due to ongoing infrastructure repairs following a bridge strike in August last year which has severed the line.
Repairs to the bridge will be completed in time to bring in the visiting locomotives and stock.
There will be three carriage sets in service each day, with all three sets operating over the full length of the line. One of these will be visiting Class 423 4VEP 3417 “Gordon Pettitt”.
PREVIEW DAY
This year’s “Preview Day” on Thursday 8th of May will have a “Network SouthEast” theme, with Class 47 47715, Class 73 73128, and Class 423 4VEP 3417 in action alongside one of our resident steam locomotives.
Beer FESTIVAL
This year’s Beer Festival takes place once again in Corfe Castle Goods Yard adjacent to the Goods Shed. There are planned to be 45 Real Ales and Ciders on offer – all from the Dorset area. The Beer Festival will be open 1100 – 2300 Friday & Saturday, and 1100 – 1800 on Sunday. Entry to the Beer Festival is free. Hot food will be available on site into the evenings, and there will be live music on both Friday & Saturday evenings, and Sunday afternoon.
Evening Services
On both Friday and Saturday evenings we will have our ‘Beerex” train in operation to get you to and from the Beer Festival at Corfe. Traction for the Friday Night will be visiting Class 20 20066. Traction for the Saturday Night will be Class 33 D6515.
Also on Saturday night you’ll be able purchase some delicious curries to enjoy during your trip. These will be available from the Kitchen Car in Platform 1 at Swanage from 18:30 onwards on a first come first served basis.
Trade Stands
Swanage Station will play host to several trade stands, selling a variety of railway related items and railway models.
GB Railfreight will have a stand on Swanage Station selling a wide range of railway memorabillia and train components. All proceeds from this will go to charity.
Dates for Diesel Gala
9th May 2025
10th May 2025
11th May 2025
The Diesel Gala Timetable, Beer Festival and Curry Menu can be downloaded from the Swanage Railway Diesel Gala website.
