Latest News | 4 February 2025
Derby train-maker set to host UK’s biggest rail celebration


Derby train-maker Alstom has announced it will host the UK’s largest ever gathering of historic rail vehicles as part of celebrations to mark 200 years of the modern railway.
From 1 to 3 August, the firm’s historic Litchurch Lane site will open to the public for the first time in over 50 years when it stages ‘The Greatest Gathering’.
Featuring more than 50 rolling stock exhibits from the past, present and future, the festival will form part of the wider Railway 200 festivities – a year-long celebration marking the opening of the Stockton and Darlington Railway (S&DR) in 1825 – and a journey that gave birth to the modern railway.
Gian Luca Erbacci, Europe Region President at Alstom, said: “The Greatest Gathering, presented by Alstom for Railway 200, is a unique opportunity to celebrate not only the incredible progress of the past two centuries but also the bright future of rail.
“Since 1825, Alstom has played a pivotal role in shaping rail innovation and our Litchurch Lane site remains at the heart of that legacy.
“This event is about bringing people together to reflect on what we’ve achieved collectively and to inspire the next generation to push the boundaries of what’s possible in sustainable transport.”

Last week, senior figures from the rail industry attended a launch event to mark tickets going on sale for The Greatest Gathering, proceeds from which will support Railway 200 charities and the rail heritage sector.
They were joined by other VIPs, including Baggy Shanker, MP for Derby South, Vice Lord-Lieutenant of Derbyshire, Colonel John Wilson OBE and legendary music producer and rail enthusiast Pete Waterman.
At the launch, historic locomotives – representing steam, diesel and electric traction – were exhibited.
The first locomotive to run on the S&DR – Locomotion No. 1 – was built by the Newcastle-based Robert Stephenson and Company.
It was the first company in the world created specifically to build railway engines and later manufactured several of the first locomotives for other countries around the world.




Through successive mergers, Robert Stephenson and Company became part of Alstom in 1989, giving the company a direct link to the dawn of the railways and making it the custodian of a unique legacy.
Alongside displays of historic and modern, mainline locomotives, The Greatest Gathering will also feature rides along Derby’s test track and a variety of narrow-gauge trains will be in operation.
Fairground attractions, street food and live music will also add to the festival feel.
Elsewhere, layouts staged by some of the biggest names in model railways – including a section of Pete Waterman’s record-breaking Railnuts layout – will take centre stage in the Model Railway Village, while historians and industry leaders will take part in engaging talks and discussions in the Mobility Theatre.
Thousands of visitors are expected to be welcomed over the three days.

Emma Roberts, programme manager at Railway 200, said: “Railway 200 is once-in-a-generation opportunity to celebrate rail’s role in building connections and driving prosperity.
“Our railways are here for everyone. They bring friends and family together and enable us to enjoy new opportunities and experiences.
“It’s wonderful that Alstom is marking Railway 200 with this fun-packed festival for everyone to enjoy, in Derby, the new home of the railway.”
For more information about The Greatest Gathering, including how to buy tickets, visit http://www.alstom.com/greatest-gathering .