Alstom, the UK’s leading supplier of new trains and train services, will be opening its historic Derby factory to the public for the first time in 2025 to host an unprecedented event in celebration of Railway 200.
The Greatest Gathering will see the largest temporary assembly of rolling stock and railway-related exhibits in a generation, all coming together for three fun-filled days across the vast estate of Derby Litchurch Lane Works.
In partnership with the wider industry and heritage operators, The Greatest Gathering promises to showcase iconic vehicles from the past, present and future of Britain’s railways – delighting thousands of enthusiasts of all ages, while inspiring the rail pioneers of the future.
Alongside displays of historic and modern, mainline locomotives, Britain’s biggest rail celebration will also feature rides along Derby’s test track, a variety of miniature trains in operation and layouts staged by some of the biggest names in model railways. Fairground attractions, refreshment areas and live music will also add to the festival feel.
Derby Litchurch Lane is one of the world’s largest rolling stock factories, and the only UK facility that designs, engineers, builds and tests trains for domestic and export markets. The factory was opened by the Midland Railway in 1876 and the city of Derby has been building trains continually since 1839.