Shunt Fest and Dark Ales Festival – Free Entry
Step back in time and witness the heavy lifters, hard workers, and quiet workhorses of the tracks.
On the 7th and 8th of November, the Isle of Wight Steam Railway proudly hosts Shunt Fest—a weekend dedicated
entirely to celebrating the unsung heroes of Britain’s railways: the shunters.
As well as our Shunters, enjoy a pint at our dark ales festival, featuring a fantastic selection of rich, seasonal brews.
making it the perfect weekend of heritage rail, great beers, and entertainment.
While the mainline locomotives historically stole the glamour and the headlines, it was the humble shunter that
kept the nation moving. These compact but incredibly powerful engines spent decades sorting wagons,
assembling trains, and ensuring the smooth flow of Britain’s industrial rail network.
Shunt Fest shines a well-deserved spotlight on these industrial giants.
Over two days, visitors will get an up-close look at the railway’s resident fleet of vintage diesel shunters as they
showcase their strength and agility. With the rare opportunity to see these small but mighty engines operating
together, this event offers an immersive look at the grit and precision of traditional railway operations.
Dark Ale List – Dark Ale Festival 2026
At Havenstreet Station, The Whistle Stop Café is thrilled to host our annual Dark Ales Festival, showcasing a
specially curated selection of rich, robust winter brews. Whether you are a connoisseur of classic stouts or looking
to discover a new favourite porter, we have the perfect pint waiting for you. Escape the chill, sit back by the
comforting glow of our roaring log burner, and soak in the atmosphere. It is the ultimate way to spend
a cosy winter afternoon with great drinks, and fantastic company.
Locomotives
*All Locomotives subject to availability
Special Guest 03 Class in British Rail Livery
Class 03 Clive
Class 05 Nuclear Fred
Army 235 Up close in the Station Yard
Class 03 No D2059
Enjoy brake van rides behind the diesels, get up close to our shunters in the yard with cab access,
See our workshops with open behind the scenes tours and see our shunters in action!
Entry to Havenstreet station site for Shunt Fest and Dark Ales Festival is free.
Train tickets are available in advance by clicking the book tickets link below and on the day at the Havenstreet
booking office. KIDS GO FREE ON THE TRAIN!
Up to 3 children go free with every full priced adult ticket*
Direct Bus Service to Havenstreet Station
We are delighted to welcome the new route 33 bus service which starts on Sunday 27th September
This new route will:
Connect Newport and Ryde via Havenstreet and Haylands.
Run 7 days a week, 364 days a year.
Operate 3 return journeys on Monday to Friday schooldays.
Operate 5 return journeys at weekends, in school holidays and on public holidays, thanks to support from the Isle of Wight Steam Railway.
For the bus timetable please visit: www.islandbuses.info/introducing-route-33
Opening times for Shunt Fest and the Dark Ales Festival will be:
Havenstreet Station
9.30am to 5.30pm
Dark Ales Bar
11.00am to 5.30pm
Train Story Discovery Centre (Please note some of Train Story may not be accessible due to Santa Specials prep)
11am to 4.15pm (Last admission 3.45pm)
The Whistle Stop Café
9.30am to 5.30pm
Restaurant
11.00am to 4.00pm
The Railway Shop
10.00am to 5.00pm
Train Timetables