THE Severn Valley Railway has revealed that it is adding a new gala event to its calendar to kick off 2024.

The Winter Steam Gala is set to be held over two days on Saturday, January  6, and Sunday, January 7.

At least five steam locomotives will be operating with a busy timetable of services along the line on both days.

The gala will see final appearances for 21C127 ‘Taw Valley’ in wartime black and 43106 ‘The Flying Pig’ as it reaches the end of its current boiler ticket.

It will mark the gala debut of 2968 following its overhaul, and a welcome gala return to 7812 ‘Erlestoke Manor’ which left the SVR after 2023’s Spring Steam Gala. The home fleet will be boosted by the addition of visiting locomotive 2253 ‘Omaha.’

Lewis Maddox, the SVR’s visitor engagement manager said: “This is going to get 2024 off to an amazing start.”

“There are many people with a keen interest in seeing steam no matter what the season, and there can be nothing finer than the sight of a locomotive running on a crisp winter day.

“We’ve not done anything as early in the season as this for quite some time, but we’re confident it’s going to go down very well, and give people something to look forward to in the new year”.

Tickets are on sale at svr.co.uk.