The Swanage Railway is delighted to announce the return for 2022 of our ever-popular Diesel Gala and Beer Festival. The event will run from the 6th – 8th of May, along with a “themed preview day” on the 5th. As in previous years there will be a variety of visiting diesel locomotives at the event.
Featured Diesels
Once again an intensive daily service will operate over our full 10 mile line between Swanage and our boundary with Network Rail at “Bridge 4” on the restored line towards Wareham. The Thursday preview day,“Thirty-Seven Thursday”, will feature Class 37 37703 operating passenger services alongside a Swanage Railway resident steam locomotive.
The main Diesel Gala running from Friday to Sunday – three-train service operate between Bridge 4, Norden, Corfe Castle, Harmans Cross and Swanage.
As well as our home fleet Class 33 locos D6515 (33012) & 33111, we will also have the following visiting locos in attendance: Class 25 – D7612 (25262) courtesy of South Devon Diesel Traction, Class 31 – 31128 courtesy of Nemesis Rail, Class 37 – 37703 Courtesy of the Harry Needle Railroad Company, Class 44 – D4 “Great Gable” (44004) courtesy of the Peak Locomotive Company, Class 46 – D182 (46045) courtesy of the Peak Locomotive Company, Class 50 – 50026 “Indomitable” courtesy of PTG Tours
All of the above locos are subject to availability.
Beer Festival at Corfe Castle Station Yard
The ever-popular Beer Festival will return to Corfe Castle Station yard, this year organised by Purbeck Kitchens. Swanage Station will play host to a number of trade stands and Smiths’ Butchers BBQ. Our popular evening “Beerex” trains will be operated by Class 46 D182 on Friday, and Class 50 50026 on Saturday.
