Alstom’s Greatest Gathering: Railway Heritage in Derby

Derby, United Kingdom – May 2024 – In a momentous celebration of railway heritage and innovation, Alstom is set to host “The Greatest Gathering” in Derby, a three-day festival as part of the wider Railway 200 festivities. This year-long celebration commemorates the bicentennial of the Stockton and Darlington Railway (S&DR), which commenced operations on September 27, 1825. This event is particularly significant, as it marks the opening of what is widely considered the genesis of the modern railway. The festival will feature over 50 exhibits of rolling stock from different periods of railway history. The event will be held at Alstom’s Litchurch Lane site, the oldest train factory in Britain. The festival promises to be a unique opportunity for railway enthusiasts and the public to witness firsthand the evolution of railway technology and appreciate its lasting impact. With the inclusion of iconic locomotives and a historical context, “The Greatest Gathering” aims to be a landmark event.

A Historic Connection: Alstom and the Dawn of Railways

Alstom’s involvement in “The Greatest Gathering” is more than just a logistical undertaking; it is deeply rooted in the company’s own heritage. The festival will be hosted at Alstom’s Litchurch Lane site in Derby, a historic location that has been at the heart of British railway engineering for decades. Alstom’s lineage can be traced back to Robert Stephenson and Company, the world’s first company specifically established for building railway engines. The company, based in Newcastle, built the Locomotion No. 1, the first locomotive to run on the S&DR. Through various mergers and acquisitions, Robert Stephenson and Company became part of Alstom in 1989. This direct link to the dawn of railways makes Alstom a custodian of a unique and significant legacy. The presence of Locomotion No. 1 at the gathering, which has not left the North East of England for a century, underscores this connection. Rob Whyte, Managing Director at Alstom UK and Ireland, highlights the poetic significance of this, emphasizing that the oldest steam locomotives will take pride of place within the factory where the UK’s newest trains are designed and manufactured.

Iconic Locomotives: A Showcase of Railway Evolution

The event will showcase an impressive array of rolling stock from various eras of railway history. The centerpiece will undoubtedly be Locomotion No. 1, representing the early days of steam power. Alongside this, the Midland Railway 1000 Class No. 1000, a Derby-built steam locomotive, will also be on display. Built in 1902, this engine was the first original design by Samuel Waite Johnson. The event also features D6700, the first-built Class 37 diesel locomotive, a legacy Alstom locomotive. These locomotives represent distinct eras of locomotive design, from the early days of passenger travel to the golden age of steam and the subsequent transition to diesel power. Craig Bentley, Director of the National Railway Museum (NRM), emphasizes the event’s importance in showcasing these significant vehicles from different eras, marking a pivotal moment in railway history.

The Venue: Litchurch Lane and the National Railway Museum

The choice of Alstom’s Litchurch Lane site in Derby for “The Greatest Gathering” is significant. The site, Britain’s oldest train factory, is opening to the public for the first time in almost 50 years, offering a rare opportunity to see behind the scenes of a major railway manufacturing facility. The National Railway Museum (NRM) (a part of the Science Museum Group), in collaboration with Alstom, is curating the event. The NRM, based in York, is a leading institution in preserving and showcasing railway history. The NRM will also have bespoke merchandise available at the event. The museum’s extensive collection, which includes around 280 rail vehicles, will be featured at the event, with a selection of exhibits on display. The collaboration between Alstom and the NRM ensures that “The Greatest Gathering” will be a comprehensive and immersive experience for attendees.

Looking Ahead: A Celebration of Railway Heritage and Innovation

“The Greatest Gathering” promises to be a landmark event for the railway industry. The event offers a unique opportunity to witness the evolution of railway technology and appreciate its lasting impact. The combination of historical locomotives, the historic venue, and the collaboration between Alstom and the National Railway Museum will create an immersive experience for visitors. The presence of Locomotion No. 1, the first locomotive to run on the Stockton and Darlington Railway, and the inclusion of other significant rolling stock from different eras highlight the event’s commitment to celebrating railway heritage. The festival will be held from Friday 1, Saturday 2 and Sunday 3 August 2025. This event not only commemorates the past but also looks to the future of rail transport, recognizing the industry’s continuous innovation. As Alstom, with its deep-rooted history in railway engineering, hosts this festival, it demonstrates the ongoing importance of the industry and the significance of preserving and celebrating its rich legacy. The event will provide a platform for railway enthusiasts, industry professionals, and the public alike to come together and celebrate the remarkable journey of the railways.

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