New for 2025 is our Winter Gala and Dark Ales Festival. Kicking off the season, this new four day launches events that celebrate Railway 200, the 150th anniversary of our line (Ryde and Newport Railway) and the 100th year on the Island for our iconic flagship loco ‘Calbourne’.
The event will run from 20-23 February and will provide the stage for the appearance of a variety of newly overhauled, built and generally unseen locomotives.
Our historic Island Terrier W8 ‘Freshwater’ built in 1877, will return to steam following an extensive overhaul, running for the first time since 2019.
Our original Ryde Pier ‘Tram’, Drewry Railcar 2 was returned to service in 2021. Built in 1927 and withdrawn when the tramway closed in 1969, No 2 spent it’s whole working life operating on Ryde Pier as a two car unit. The Gala will see the introduction into service of our replica trailer car, recreating the sight and the opportunity to travel in a two-car unit again.
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.
Flagship ‘02’ class W24 ‘Calbourne’ will haul passenger trains throughout the event, having only appeared briefly in 2024 following the fitting of new tyres.
Meanwhile in our Barn Café and Bar, opened in 2024 following a high quality fit out, the Gala will include our first ‘Winter Dark Ales Festival.
