Record-breaking rail festival raises six-figure sum for good causes

Alstom has announced that more than £100,000 has been raised for good causes from a record-breaking rail festival it hosted last summer.

Over three days in August, more than 40,000 people attended The Greatest Gathering at the train-maker’s Litchurch Lane Works.

Held as part of the Railway 200 celebrations – a series of events held throughout 2025 to mark 200 years of the modern railway – The Greatest Gathering brought together more than 140 rail vehicles from the past and present.

Last month, The Greatest Gathering Organising Committee presented a giant cheque for more than £100,000, which was raised from the event’s ticket sales, vendor fees and merchandise.

It will be split between Railway 200’s five chosen charities – Alzheimer’s Research UK, Railway Benefit Fund, Railway Children, Railway Mission and Transport Benevolent Fund CIO – alongside more than 50 railway heritage organisations that took part in the event itself.

Andy Butters, managing director of Alstom’s Litchurch Lane Works, said: “Raising over £100,000 is an outstanding result and a testament to the generosity of railfans, partners and the hundreds of volunteers who made The Greatest Gathering possible.

“We’re proud that these funds will support national charities and the heritage organisations that keep Britain’s railway story alive.

“Opening our Litchurch Lane Works to the public for the first time in almost 50 years was a special moment for Derby, Alstom and the wider industry.

“It allowed us to celebrate two centuries of innovation made here, across the country and around the world, and this fundraising milestone shows how powerfully our railway heritage continues to inspire.”

Jo Kaye, chief executive of the Railway Benefit Fund, said: “We are immensely proud to have been included in this once-in-a-lifetime, record-breaking event, and we share this moment in history with the fantastic organising team.

“Supporting the railway family will always be our priority, and the proceeds raised will directly allow us to give the people behind the UK’s railways and their families a helping hand when they face difficult challenges, such as illness, injury or financial hardship. This will make a real difference right away.

“Thank you again to Alstom and the organising team for creating an event that will inspire the next generation, showcasing the incredible community and encouraging young people to become the railway talent of tomorrow.”