The Severn Valley Railway has announced an exciting new addition to its events calendar with the launch of its Summer Gala, taking place on Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 July.

The two-day rail celebration will showcase a lively mix of steam and heritage diesel traction, with up to four visiting locomotives expected to join the line-up.

In an early highlight for the event, Kerr Stuart ‘Witch’ class locomotive No 4388 is confirmed as the first guest engine, appearing courtesy of Jack Dibnah and the Foxfield Railway. Built in 1926 by Kerr, Stuart & Company, this distinctive locomotive features an unusual design with outside cylinders, no front footplate and a notably small saddle tank. Originally constructed for the British Gas Light Company’s gas works at Etruria in Stoke-on-Trent, it was used to shunt coal wagons from the mainline at Etruria yard, replacing work previously carried out by horses.

The Summer Gala will celebrate both unique members of the railway’s home fleet and a selection of visiting locomotives, including some rarely seen examples. Across the weekend, trains will operate a busy timetable along the full line between Kidderminster and Bridgnorth, offering visitors the chance to travel behind a wide variety of engines.

Extra attractions across the railway will add to the festival atmosphere. Visitors can explore The Engine House at Highley, enjoy refreshments including real ales in station pubs, and experience ‘little trains’ at Kidderminster Station, where a live-steam Gauge 1 model railway will be running throughout the event.

The expected home fleet includes GWR 813, GWR 1450, GWR 7714, Class 14 D9551, Class 17 D8568 and Class 20 20048, alongside the visiting locomotives, more of which are still to be announced.

Further visiting locomotives will be announced in due course. For more information and to book tickets, visit svr.co.uk