The Isle of Wight Steam Railway is opening earlier in 2025 for a special Winter Gala and Dark Ales Festival taking place between 20 and 23 February.
Kicking off the season, this new four day launches events that celebrate Railway 200, the 150th anniversary of the Ryde and Newport Railway line and the 100th year on the Island for the iconic flagship loco ‘Calbourne’.
The Winter Gala is the chance to commemorate some special landmarks taking place in 2025.
The event will also provide the stage for the return to service of historic Island Terrier W8 ‘Freshwater’ built in 1877 following an extensive overhaul, running for the first time since 2019.
Class 05 Diesel D2554 ‘Nuclear Fred’ will be making a rare appearance from its usual display position in ‘Train Story’ operating in passenger service, pulling a number of brake van specials as will the railway’s 03 Class Diesel.
Flagship ‘02’ class W24 ‘Calbourne’ will haul passenger trains throughout the event, having only appeared briefly in 2024 following the fitting of new tyres.
Marc Morgan Huws, chief executive at IW Steam Railway, said:
“This is an amazing year in our history and we are busy planning some great events.
"The Winter Gala and new Dark Ales Festival marks the start of our 2025 season and we look forward to celebrating these key milestones for our visitors.”
Entry to Havenstreet station site and the Dark Ales Festival is free.
Train tickets are available in advance online and on the day at the Havenstreet booking office.
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