The Severn Valley Railway has kicked off announcements for the line-up of guest locomotives at its eagerly anticipated Spring Diesel Festival.

Four impressive visitors have been revealed for the event which takes place from Thursday 14 to Sunday 17 May.

Following a week of daily reveals that have built excitement and sparked lively discussion across social media, the Railway has confirmed that a Class 67, ‘Hymek’ D7018, a Class 57 and Class 55 Deltic 55009 will headline the event alongside the SVR’s strong home fleet.

The first guest to be announced was a Class 67, courtesy of DB Cargo. Although several Class 67s have visited the SVR over the years on charter workings, they have never hauled a scheduled passenger service on the line or appeared at a gala event. The debut of this class in full festival service promises to be a major draw, and the Railway has expressed its sincere thanks to DB Cargo for making the locomotive available.

Next to be revealed was ‘Hymek’ D7018, appearing courtesy of the Diesel Electric Preservation Group. These hydraulic Type 3 locomotives are perennial favourites with SVR supporters, and D7018 is one of just four survivors from a class of 101 built. It’s expected to prove a star attraction at the event.

The third visitor confirmed is a Class 57/0 locomotive, courtesy of West Coast Railways, adding main line pedigree to the line-up and further broadening the range of traction on offer. Re-engineered from Class 47s between 1998 and 2004, the EMD-powered Class 57s have gained a following of their own. WCR is the only operator to have examples of all three sub-classes.

Completing the quartet of guest announcements over the past week is Class 55 Deltic No 55009, courtesy of the Deltic Preservation Society. The unmistakable sound and power of a Deltic are guaranteed to be a highlight of the four-day event, and enthusiasts will have multiple opportunities to see and hear this iconic locomotive in action.

Additionally, the SVR is also hoping that 55009 will make a special appearance at selected Diesel Footplate Experiences later in the year. These chance-of-a-lifetime experiences are now open to book for 2026 at svr.co.uk.