Epping Ongar Railway Steams Ahead with Hugely Successful Annual Gala27th April 2026

The Epping Ongar Railway is delighted to announce the resounding success of its Annual Steam Gala, held from Friday 17th to Sunday 19th April. The three-day event thrilled over 2000 visitors and delivered a spectacular showcase of steam power, cementing its status as a highlight in the UK heritage railway calendar.

The 2026 Gala featured an intensive timetable of heritage steam trains all from the Great Western Railway stable, including resident and visiting locomotives, and special attractions that captivated railway enthusiasts and families alike. The railway saw record attendance figures, demonstrating the enduring appeal of steam travel and the strength of the Epping Ongar Railway community.

General Manager, Nick Arthurton, said:

"The success of this year's Steam Gala is a massive achievement and a testament to the dedication of everyone involved. This event requires months of meticulous planning and exceptional commitment, and the sheer scale of the operation-from coordinating the movement and maintenance of the locomotives to ensuring a smooth, safe, and enjoyable experience for thousands of visitors-was immense. We are incredibly proud to have delivered such a high-quality event to well over 2000 visitors; it wasn't just about the trains, it was about the experience, the history, and bringing our railway community together. We extend our sincere thanks to all our visitors, volunteers, and visiting locomotive owners for making the 2026 Steam Gala our best yet."

The railway wishes to acknowledge the extraordinary hard work and professionalism of its staff and volunteer teams. Their careful organisation and seamless delivery were fundamental to the Gala's triumph, ensuring operations ran efficiently across all three days.

Furthermore, the Gala represents a significant financial commitment by the Epping Ongar Railway. Resources were invested heavily in securing the high-profile visiting locomotives, creating a great timetable and enhanced customer facilities including two on-train bars. This financial outlay is essential to delivering an event of this quality and generating crucial revenue that supports the mission to enjoy, educate and preserve the community and history of the Epping Ongar Railway.