East Lancashire Railway’s (ELR) steam gala is returning, but the event next year will be extra special thanks to legendary locomotives with royal connections.
The "Legends of Steam" event from Friday, March 15 to Sunday, March 17 will welcome two iconic locomotives that helped transport the Queen and the then Prince Charles and will be the stars of the show at the event which will be held next March.
The BR Standard, Class 7, 70000 "Britannia" and LNER, A4, 60007 "Sir Nigel Gresley" are the locomotives making an appearance.
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The Britannia was completed in 1951 and was the first UK standard locomotive to be built and spent 15 years serving the national network.
In 2011, the locomotive returned to the mainline after a 14-year absence and hauled the Royal Train with the then Prince Charles onboard from Preston to Wakefield in 2012.
The LNER, A4, 60007 "Sir Nigel Gresley", was built in 1937 and worked for 29 years before being purchased by the Sir Nigel Gresley Locomotive Trust Ltd to rescue the locomotive from the cutter's torch.
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The locomotive recently returned to service in 2022 following an extensive overhaul.
In 1956, she had the honour of hauling the Royal Train from King’s Cross to York while the Queen was onboard.
These two iconic locomotives will also be supported by LMS Jubilee Locomotive 45690 "Leander" for the three days of this event.
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ELR chairman Mike Kelly said: “Over the years we have welcomed a great many iconic locomotives to the ELR, and we are very proud and excited to make these locomotives available to the many thousands of enthusiasts to see, hear and ride behind them.
“These exciting additions to the ELR’s ‘Legends of Steam’ event promises to make the celebration even more special.
“I’d like to thank the Sir Nigel Gresley Locomotive Trust Ltd, Royal Scot Locomotive and General Trust, Locomotive Services and the Jubilee Locomotive Co for allowing these icons to operate on our railway.”
Weekend tickets are available to order, alongside individual day tickets, which are all available to buy here.
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