Express & Star

Full steam ahead at Severn Railway Gala - pictures

Families enjoyed a day of engine fun at the Severn Valley Railway's annual Steam Gala.

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Steam Gala at Severn Valley Railway's Kidderminster Station. Tim Strevens loads the cal on the 1501 pannier tank engine

The Kidderminster railway line officially opened its 2019 season by taking visitors back in time to the day of traditional branchline Great Western Railway tank engines.

The weekend-long event saw 10 steam engines arrive at the railway station before trundling along the Severn Valley.

Steam Gala at Severn Valley Railway's Kidderminster Station..Tim Strevens takes a break on the 1501 pannier tank
Steam Gala at Severn Valley Railway's Kidderminster Station
Steam Gala at Severn Valley Railway's Kidderminster Station
Steam Gala at Severn Valley Railway's Kidderminster Station
Steam Gala at Severn Valley Railway's Kidderminster Station..Children have fun as they get set for a journey
Steam Gala at Severn Valley Railway's Kidderminster Station
Steam Gala at Severn Valley Railway's Kidderminster Station..Jackson Brown, aged 4, from Kidderminster who was dressed for the occasion
Steam Gala at Severn Valley Railway's Kidderminster Station
Steam Gala at Severn Valley Railway's Kidderminster Station

Event co-ordinator Lewis Maddox said it was wonderful to see the steam gala in 'full swing' during the weekend.

He said: "The Spring Steam Gala was in full swing, opening our exciting 2019 season.

Steam Gala at Severn Valley Railway's Kidderminster Station..Driver Dave Evans
Steam Gala at Severn Valley Railway's Kidderminster Station..Porter David Overton

"We loved to see 10 engines out and about reliving the days of branchline Britain."

Despite the rain and wind, the gala attracted about 4,000 people overall across the weekend.

Steam Gala at Severn Valley Railway's Kidderminster Station..Jackson Brown, aged 4, from Kidderminster who was dressed for the occasion
Steam Gala at Severn Valley Railway's Kidderminster Station

Lewis added: "This is an annual event we hold every spring, as well as our autumn gala in September. It's one of the best events of its kind in the country and very popular."

The next big event for Severn Valley Railway is its Open House event on April 6 and 7. Attractions include an intensive steam and diesel train service and up to 30 model railway layouts on display.

Visit svr.co.uk for more.