Alstom Presents: The Greatest Gathering

Everything you need to know about the Britain's biggest rail celebration

This sold-out festival is the perfect event for train enthusiasts everywhere. If you didn’t manage to get a ticket in time, never fear, because the British Pullman Luxury Train has got you covered.

On the 2nd of August 2025, the iconic British Pullman will be transporting guests to the festival from London Victoria. Step on board this iconic train, and take your seats for a delectable 3-course champagne brunch as the train travels out of London and heads North to Wellingborough, where you will be met by a very special guest - The Flying Scotsman.

At Wellingborough, the British Pullman is attached to the Flying Scotsman, one of the most legendary locomotives in history. Upon arriving in Derby, you’ll be guided to Alstom’s historic Derby Litchurch Lane Works for an exciting day at The Greatest Gathering festival.

After the festivities, you will return to the train, where a sparkling drinks reception awaits you. Reminisce the day's adventures over a delicious three-course dinner, complemented by half a bottle of wine per person or a non-alcoholic alternative, and finishing with coffee and petits fours before the train arrives back at London Victoria.

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As a bonus, for every two tickets purchased, you'll receive a £50 Golden Moments voucher, perfect for treating yourself or gifting to someone special.

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BOOK YOUR TICKETS NOW

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About the Greatest Gathering:

More than 100 notable railway vehicles, spanning from historical models to contemporary and future designs, will be showcased at this unique festival. This event will be the first time in almost 50 years that the train factory has been open to the public.

Derby Litchurch Lane stands as one of the largest rolling stock factories globally and is the sole UK facility encompassing the entire train production process—design, engineering, construction, and testing—for both national and international markets. Established by the Midland Railway in 1876, train manufacturing has been a continuous tradition in Derby since 1839. Further solidifying its railway prominence, Derby was selected by the Government in 2022 to be the headquarters of Great British Railways, a decision made following a public vote among competing cities.

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What is Railway 200?

The Stockton & Darlington Railway (S&DR) opened on September 27, 1825, connecting places, people, communities and ideas, and ultimately transforming the world. Railway 200 is a year-long nationwide partnership-led campaign to celebrate 200 years of the modern railway and inspire a new generation of young, pioneering talent to choose a career in rail.

The first locomotive to run on the S&DR – Locomotion No. 1 – was built by the Newcastle upon Tyne-based Robert Stephenson and Company. It was the first company in the world created specifically to build railway engines, and later manufactured several of the first locomotives for other countries. Through successive mergers, Robert Stephenson and Company became part of Alstom in 1989, giving the company a direct link to the dawn of the railways and making it the custodian of a unique legacy.

Alstom-owned Nomad Digital has been headquartered in Newcastle for over two decades and is a world-leader in passenger and fleet management solutions.

Although born in Great Britain, rail quickly spread across the globe. Railway 200 will showcase how the railway shaped and continues to shape our lives. A wide variety of activities and events – across the UK and around the world – are being planned to celebrate rail’s remarkable past, its role today and its importance to a sustainable future. Commemorating two centuries since the Stockton & Darlington Railway's inauguration on September 27, 1825, Railway 200 is a year-long, nationwide collaborative initiative. This campaign celebrates the transformative impact of the modern railway on connectivity, communities, and global progress, aiming to inspire the next generation to pursue careers in the rail industry.

The pioneering locomotive, Locomotion No. 1, which first operated on the S&DR, was the creation of Robert Stephenson and Company, based in Newcastle upon Tyne. This company holds the distinction of being the world's first dedicated railway engine manufacturer, later supplying early locomotives to various nations. Through a series of mergers, Robert Stephenson and Company ultimately became part of Alstom in 1989, establishing a direct connection to the railway's origins and positioning the company as a guardian of this significant heritage.

Alstom's subsidiary, Nomad Digital, a global leader in passenger and fleet management solutions, has maintained its headquarters in Newcastle for over twenty years.

Originating in Great Britain, the railway's influence rapidly expanded globally. Railway 200 will highlight the historical and ongoing impact of rail transport. Numerous events and activities are being organised throughout the UK and internationally to celebrate the railway's extraordinary history, its present-day significance, and its crucial role in a sustainable future.

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