Special train dedication celebrates rail festival’s legacy

A train operator has unveiled a special dedication on one of its trains to celebrate the legacy of a major rail festival, which was hosted a year ago by Alstom.

Held as part of Railway 200 – the bicentenary of the modern railway – The Greatest Gathering took place over three days in August last year at Alstom’s historic Litchurch Lane Works and attracted more than 40,000 visitors.

The event brought together more than 140 railway vehicles spanning two centuries of innovation, from the golden age of steam to today’s modern railway, and the technologies shaping its future.

Now, a year on from the event, train operator Great Western Railway (GWR) has unveiled a special dedication on one of its Intercity Express Trains celebrating the legacy of The Greatest Gathering.

The design – applied to Class 800 No. 800012 – pays tribute to the record-breaking festival.

Rob Whyte, managing director for the UK at Alstom, said: “It is fantastic to see the legacy of The Greatest Gathering continue through this special train dedication from Great Western Railway.

“Bringing together more than 40,000 people from around the world and over 140 railway vehicles, Alstom’s event demonstrated the pride, passion and innovation that have defined our industry for two centuries.

“The Greatest Gathering was about celebrating railway heritage, engaging our industry’s next generation and showcasing the vital role rail continues to play in connecting people and helping businesses thrive, and we are delighted that the impact of our event continues to inspire.”

 Iconic exhibits at The Greatest Gathering included the world-famous Flying Scotsman, the 200-year-old Locomotion No. 1 and an Alstom-built Eurostar power car, while the event also highlighted the railway’s role in connecting communities, supporting economic growth and inspiring the next generation of railway professionals. The festival raised more than £100,000 for charity.

Mark Hopwood CBE, managing director at GWR, said: “The heritage of the railway is entwined into the DNA of GWR as the world’s oldest railway name still in use today.

“I’m really pleased we have been able to celebrate what was an incredible festival, which showcased so many positive things about the UK rail industry.”