The Severn Valley Railway is celebrating after more than 5,500 visitors came to support its "ambitious and exciting" Autumn Steam Gala. 

With increased passenger numbers, a timetable that ran smoothly and a smart solution to what could have been a major hitch, the heritage railway has proudly announced another year of success for the enthusiast event. 

The recent Autumn Steam Gala, which took place between September 19 and September 22, welcomed more than 5,500 passengers, an increase of 6 per cent on the attendance for the same event last year.

Managing director Jonathan 'Gus' Dunster said: "Once again, this was the SVR at its very best."

Despite have to draft in two locomotives at the last minute to cover what could have been a crisis, the SVR's home-based locomotives performed "magnificently" with a 100 per cent reliability rate. 

On the footplate of 4930 'Hagley Hall' at Kidderminster On the footplate of 4930 'Hagley Hall' at Kidderminster (Image: Jason Hood) Mr Dunster said: "We had to withdraw our guest saddle tank on the first day. We swiftly mobilised 4930 'Hagley Hall' and 75069 to cover its allocated services.

"Then, some exemplary work by our own team and staff from the East Lancashire Railway, saw 11456 repaired and back in service later the following day. An unexpected problem, but a some quick thinking and efficient action proved that we know exactly what we’re doing.

"Because this is the important thing. The SVR has an unrivalled reputation for its enthusiast events, but with that kudos comes a high level of responsibility. You must be able to deal with issues as and when they inevitably arise. Once again, we did that in spades."

The SVR is already preparing for its next full-scale steam enthusiast event, the Spring Steam Gala, with dates confirmed for April 18 to April 21, 2025, and though bosses are understandably keeping tight-lipped, they’ve hinted at "some very exciting plans in the pipeline". 

Visiting Black Five 44932 departs Bewdley Visiting Black Five 44932 departs Bewdley (Image: Anthony Carwithen) Mr Dunster added: "‘We proved that we’d learnt the lessons from last year’s Autumn Steam Gala, which was, in hindsight, rather over-complicated. This time we aspired to put on an ambitious, exciting and achievable event, and it proved highly successful.

"My thanks go to everyone involved at all stages of planning and delivering the Autumn Steam Gala. We absolutely got it right."

The railway is busy getting ready for a further enthusiast event this season, with the Autumn Diesel Bash taking place between October 3 and October 6.