Keighley and Worth Valley Railway to host major diesel gala

The line is hosting a four-day Diesel Gala from June 18 to 21, featuring locomotives from across the UK, as well as the railway's own fleet.

These machines, which powered the nation's railways for decades after the end of steam, hold a special place in the memories of many visitors.

The gala will recreate the atmosphere of the diesel age across the Worth Valley line.

Among the home fleet appearing will be the British Rail Class 14 D9520 and Class 08 diesel electric shunter 08993 Ashburnham.

Both locomotives have unique histories.

The Class 14 D9520, one of the distinctive 'Teddy Bear' locomotives, was built at Swindon Works in 1964 and later worked in ironstone quarries near Corby after leaving British Rail service.

The Ashburnham, built in 1959, was rebuilt with a reduced height cab for work on the former Burry Port and Gwendraeth Valley line in South Wales, where low bridges created clearance problems for standard locomotives.

Guest locomotives visiting the railway for the gala include 47715, 37025, 31108, 37407, 55009, 37218, and 50049, all courtesy of various groups and companies dedicated to preserving these machines.

Keighley and Worth Valley Railway hosts its four-day Diesel Gala from June 18-21 (Image: Tom Marshall)

Visitors will also have the chance to go behind the scenes inside the railway's working locomotive shed during special guided tours.

These tours will offer access to operational areas usually off-limits to the public, allowing visitors to get close to both steam and diesel locomotives.

They will also have the opportunity to hear directly from railway staff and volunteers about the realities of keeping historic railway machinery operating in the modern era.

The popular brake van rides will also return during the gala, giving passengers an unusual trackside perspective aboard the Southern Railway goods brake van Queen Mary.

For enthusiasts travelling from further afield, special diesel-hauled charter trains organised by SRPS Railtours will operate to and from the event.

The Keighley Artilleryman arrives on June 17, hauled by Class 45 No. 45118, while the Keighley Stag departs after the event on June 22 behind Class 37 No. 37025.

Noel Hartley, Chair of the Keighley and Worth Valley Railway, said: "Diesel locomotives are a huge part of Britain’s railway story, and for many people, they are the trains they grew up with."

"The gala is about recreating that atmosphere and giving visitors the chance to experience these machines properly again."

The Diesel Gala continues to be one of the railway's most popular enthusiast events, drawing visitors from across the UK to experience heritage diesel traction in the heart of West Yorkshire.