Railway Event Draws Global Crowds to Derby in UK’s Biggest Train Celebration
The world’s largest railway event is currently in full steam at Alstom’s historic Litchurch Lane factory, as tens of thousands of rail enthusiasts descend on Derby for what’s being hailed as a landmark celebration of Britain’s railway legacy and future.
Over three days, from 1 to 3 August, The Greatest Gathering is transforming Britain’s oldest and largest train factory into a spectacle of steel, steam and innovation.
With more than 140 rail vehicles on display, spanning nearly two centuries, this sold-out charity celebration is the centrepiece of Railway 200, a year-long commemoration of the birth of the modern railway.
Visitors from across the globe have flocked to Derby, many eager to witness the once-in-a-generation showcase on a site that has remained closed to the public for almost 50 years.
Rob Whyte, Managing Director UK and Ireland at Alstom, reflected on the company’s deep-rooted ties to British rail heritage: “Alstom’s roots in the UK go right back to 1825, when Locomotion No. 1 made its historic journey on the Stockton and Darlington Railway.
Through successive mergers, the locomotive’s builder, Robert Stephenson and Company, became part of Alstom in 1989, and we are beyond proud to carry that legacy of ingenuity forward.”
He continued: “The Greatest Gathering is a once-in-a-generation celebration of Britain’s railway heritage and future, and it simply wouldn’t have been possible without the extraordinary support of so many…
Together, we have created the world’s largest gathering of historic and modern railway vehicles, and a truly unforgettable experience for tens of thousands of visitors, alongside those watching online at home.”
The sprawling 90-acre Derby site, a cornerstone of British rail history since 1839, is the UK’s only remaining facility that designs, builds, engineers, and tests trains for both national and international markets.
First opened by the Midland Railway in 1876, the factory has been at the forefront of railway development for nearly 150 years. In 2022, it was named the official home of Great British Railways by public vote – a nod to its enduring significance.
Transport Minister Lord Peter Hendy called the event a historic achievement in its own right.
“In this year of Railway 200 celebrations many imaginative and innovative events are being staged to mark this key anniversary in the history of railways.
The Greatest Gathering does so on a huge scale, and promises to enter the history books as the largest exhibition of railway equipment ever staged in the UK.”
He emphasised the event’s potential impact on future generations: “I very much hope the thousands of you who were fortunate enough to secure tickets enjoy the display, which aims to really highlight the railway of the past, present and future, and hopefully inspires some of the diverse younger generations to become the railway professionals of the future.”
Alstom’s influence stretches beyond Britain’s borders. French Ambassador to the UK, Her Excellency Madame Hélène Duchêne, commended the company for its dual role in preserving heritage and pushing innovation.
“I would like to warmly congratulate the team at Alstom as they celebrate 200 years of railway history in Derby, and look forward to a bright future of designing and building the next generation of trains, and supporting the decarbonisation of transport for decades to come.”
She also highlighted Franco-British cooperation in the rail sector, especially following July’s UK-France Summit. “In this regard, Alstom’s manufacturing presence in the UK echoes the British and French governments’ shared commitment to supporting rail travel…
Our two countries committed to deepening their cooperation to foster the growth of Cross-Channel rail traffic, including by working to reduce barriers for potential new market entrants.”
More than just a celebration, the event is raising vital funds. Proceeds from ticket sales will be donated to five Railway 200 partner charities, including Alzheimer’s Research UK and the Railway Benefit Fund, along with several heritage organisations.
From die-hard trainspotters to families exploring Britain’s rail legacy for the first time, The Greatest Gathering offers something for everyone. It’s a tribute to the journey that began nearly 200 years ago, and to the people driving it into the future.
