Greatest Gathering marks 200 years of the railway with huge display

Almost 40,000 railfans from across the world flocked to Derby this weekend for The Greatest Gathering – the largest-ever display of historic and modern trains, hosted at Alstom’s iconic Litchurch Lane Works.

Held from 1–3 August as part of the national Railway 200 celebrations, the sold-out, three-day event featured more than 140 rolling stock exhibits spanning two centuries of railway development. The event marked a historic moment not only for rail enthusiasts but for the industry itself, as Britain’s oldest and largest train factory opened its doors to the public for the first time in nearly 50 years.

“Alstom’s roots in the UK trace back to the dawn of the railway age in 1825,” said Rob Whyte, Managing Director UK & Ireland at Alstom. “The Greatest Gathering is a once-in-a-generation celebration of our railway heritage and future. I’m incredibly proud of what our team and industry partners have achieved.”

Visitors from across the globe came to the festival as well as visitors both young and old.

Lucy Worth and her son travelled from near Bristol to visit the event.

“We had to be here today, certainly for my son as he just can’t get enough of trains. But it’s been special and so much to do.”

The factory site, covering 90 acres, the site was the ideal location for the festival and is the UK’s only facility capable of designing, engineering, building and testing trains under one roof. Founded by the Midland Railway in 1876, Derby’s rail industry has been in continuous operation since 1839. In 2022, it was selected as the future home of Great British Railways.

UK Rail Minister Lord Peter Hendy praised the event as “a landmark exhibition that brings the entire rail industry together to celebrate Britain’s past and future on the rails,” adding it was a moment that “promises to enter the history books.”

Malcolm Stubbs, who visited the event from Chester said that it truly was a once in the lifetime experience.

“There is almost too much to see. The exhibits have been fantastic, and I’ve really enjoyed some of the other stuff that has been on the sidelines. They’ve thought of everything, it’s just a shame it is a one-off.”