Legends of Industry Gala returns to Tanfield Railway, the world’s oldest railway on Friday 16th, Saturday 17th and Sunday 18th June with a fantastic array of historic steam and diesel locomotives, as we pay tribute to North East engineers and celebrate the huge contribution these locomotives made to industries and communities around the region.
We’re pleased to announce that Marston, Thompson & Evershed Ltd No.3 AND 1219 ‘Caledonia Works’ will be visiting us for our Legends of Industry Gala!
PLUS 5 home fleet steam locomotives… and a diesel or two may make an appearance! One of the biggest Gala events held at Tanfield!
An intensive timetable will be in operation allowing visitors to travel behind our amazing collection of historic industrial locomotives! Experience how coal miners went to work on board our colliery passenger trains, watch coal waggon shunting in Marley Hill yard, and see our demonstration coal and freight trains recreating the sights, sounds and smells of days gone by.
Step inside Marley Hill engine shed, our main locomotive base and workshop – it dates back to 1854 and the oldest still in operation today! This historic building has recently undergone extensive works, restoring it back to the condition it would have been if you had stepped in it in the 1940s. See our locomotives getting prepared in the morning and take a walk around our historic machinery, including watching our impressive Consett wheel lathe in action!
Sign up for one of our FREE Marley Hill tours and allow one of our knowledgeable Guides explain more about the history of the Tanfield Railway and surrounding waggonways, Marley Hill engine shed, our railway collection and get behind the scenes access to some our workshops and storage buildings. Please sign up for a tour at Marley Hill Welcome Building – tours available on a first come, first serve basis. Please note – tours involve approx 30 minutes of walking on various surfaces.
Feeling peckish? Pop into Andrews House and East Tanfield stations for a selection of light bites and refreshments, or add a lunch bag when you book your tickets.. We’ll also be joined by Fat Hippo serving up their delicious signature burgers and loaded fries. Need something to wash this all down with? Then make sure to visit Firebrick Brewery who will be on hand with their popular ales and beers.
Make sure to stop off at Causey station and take a short walk from the platform to step across the historic Causey Arch, dating back to 1725 and the oldest railway bridge in the world! Perhaps even take a stroll around the wooded Causey valley – there is a series of pleasant walks available, please speak with one of our railway volunteers who would be happy to tell you more.
What else is available to see and do?
- Stop by Andrews House station to find out more about the historic Dunston Staiths – where coal carried along the Tanfield Railway was once transported to, to be then shipped around the world. The Staiths is one of the largest timber structures in Europe and is a major industrial landmark. Their staff and volunteers will be on hand to explain more!
- A selection of books and magazines will be on sale from Andrews House Ticket Office Book Shop.
- See vintage vehicles and displays at Marley Hill Events Field and Marley Hill Carriage Shed.
- Enjoy the delightful sounds of Prudhoe Community Band playing in Marley Hill Carriage Shed from 10.30am to 12.30pm on Saturday 17th June.
- Visit East Tanfield station shed and take a look at the Robert Stephenson exhibition – celebrating the 200th anniversary since Stephenson’s works opened in Newcastle.
- The Cloth Cap Temperance Band will be playing traditional folk tunes at East Tanfield station 11.30am to 2pm (Friday) and 12.30pm to 3pm (Sunday).
- More display and exhibits to be confirmed soon.
Ticket Prices:
All Day Rover – Adult (18-59) £18.00; All Day Rover – Senior (60+) £16.00; All Day Rover – Child (5-17) £14.00; All Day Rover – Child (under 5) £0.00
Weekend, Family & Carer tickets are also available – please see our bookings page.
Train Timetable:
An extensive train timetable will be in operation throughout the weekend – more information will be announced soon.
Car Parking:
FREE car parking is available at Andrews House station (NE16 5ET) and East Tanfield station (DH9 9UY). Overflow car parking is available at Andrews House station on Saturday and Sunday.
Tanfield Railway reserves the right to alter or cancel this programme and timetable without any prior advertising or notice.
Special thanks to Foxfield Railway and Blaenavon’s Heritage Railway/Ryan Pope.