North York Moors Steam Gala Announcement

The North Yorkshire Moors Railway (NYMR) has announced the return of its highly anticipated Annual Steam Gala, set to take place from 25th-28th September 2025.

This four-day event promises a thrilling celebration of Britain’s steam heritage, with a line-up that will appeal to rail enthusiasts and families alike.

The NYMR is excited to welcome the first two iconic guest locomotives for this year’s event:

• Standard 2MT No. 78019, courtesy of Charles Newton and the Loughborough Standard Locomotive Group Ltd. Built in 1954 at Darlington, No. 78019 represents British Railways' efforts to modernise steam locomotive design post-WWII, closely following the successful LMS Ivatt 2MT design with only minor mechanical updates. After withdrawal from service in 1966, the locomotive was rescued from Barry Scrapyard and restored through a partnership with the Loughborough Standard Locomotive Group. It returned to steam in 2004, and has since continued to earn a positive reputation as a reliable and efficient engine on heritage railways.

• No. 34072 257 Squadron, courtesy of Southern Locomotives Ltd. was built at Brighton Works in 1948, and was among the first Bulleid Light Pacifics completed under British Railways, initially working high-profile boat trains such as the Night Ferry from Dover to London. After a decade of service in Kent, it was transferred west to Exmouth Junction in 1958 and later to Eastleigh, accumulating nearly 700,000 miles before its withdrawal in 1964.

Rescued from Barry scrapyard in 1984, 257 Squadron underwent an ambitious restoration, ready for a triumphant return to steam in time for the 50th anniversary of the Battle of Britain in 1990. Since then, it’s operated extensively in preservation. Its striking air-smoothed casing and rich wartime heritage make it a true crowd-puller, and we’re so excited to be featuring this iconic locomotive as part of our event.

In addition to these special guests, the NYMR will be showcasing its home fleet including BR 9F No. 92134, Black 5 No. 44806, Black 5 No. 5428 'Eric Treacy', SR Schools No. 926 'Repton', BR Standard 4 Tank No. 80136, Lambton Tank No. 29 'Peggy', and Cockerill No. 8 'Lucie'.

A full timetable of varied services will be operated, offering plenty of opportunities to experience the sights and sounds of classic steam across the scenic 18-mile heritage railway, with shuttle services also running between Grosmont and Whitby.

Paul ‘Piglet’ Middleton, Director of Mechanical Engineering at NYMR, said: 

“The Annual Steam Gala is always a highlight in the NYMR calendar, attracting steam enthusiasts and families to experience the nostalgia and charm of steam - and we can’t wait for September to roll-around to celebrate once again. As always, this year’s event promises to be a spectacular celebration of steam heritage, featuring a line-up of iconic locomotives.”

During the Annual Steam Gala, the NYMR will host a unique silent auction of 30 prints formerly on display in the Station Hotel in Pickering. The black and white prints include historic images of the hotel and locomotives. The funds raised will support our appeal to steam No. 75029 'The Green Knight'.

Don’t miss four unforgettable days of steam traction at one of the UK’s most picturesque heritage railways.