With the success of the 50th Annual Steam Gala last year, we are thrilled to announce the return of our highly anticipated event, set to take place from 26th - 29th September 2024.

This year’s event promises to be a spectacular celebration of steam heritage, featuring a line-up of iconic locomotives, including welcoming the magnificent No. 4079 Pendennis Castle courtesy of Didcot Rail Centre for the first time. Returning to the NYMR as a guest is No. 2253 Omaha courtesy of Dartmouth Steam Railway and Peter Best.

The Annual Steam Gala is a highlight in the NYMR calendar, attracting steam enthusiasts and families to experience the nostalgia and charm of steam. From the home-fleet, visitors can expect to see BR 9F No. 92134, Black 5 No. 44806, Black 5 Eric Treacy No. 5428, SR Schools Repton No. 926, BR Standard 4 Tank No. 80136, J27 No. 65894, Lambton Tank Peggy No. 29, and Cockerill Lucie No. 8. 

Whilst the event showcases the beauty and power of these historic engines, there will also be trade stalls at Pickering, the Annual Steam Gala Beer Festival at Goathland, the Shed Shop will be hosting a fantastic range of railway items, and the Tea Rooms will be open for refreshments.

Built in 1924, Pendennis Castle's claim to fame dates back to 1925 when it was lent by the GWR to the London & North Eastern Railway for trials against Sir Nigel Gresley's mighty new Pacifics exemplified by No. 4472 ‘Flying Scotsman’. Out-performing her competitions, 4079 was extremely popular and the GWR sent Pendennis Castle to stand alongside ‘Flying Scotsman’ at the 1925 British Empire Exhibition at Wembley with a notice proclaiming her to be the most powerful passenger express locomotive in Britain.

No. 2253 Omaha previously spent some time at the NYMR for a number of years, and after being sold to Peter Best in 2013, it was cosmetically restored at the heritage railway before being on static display at NRM Shildon. Since then it was overhauled and brought to steam again by Steam Powered Services. In May 2019 the locomotive was named Omaha in honour of owner Peter Best’s father, who was involved in the D-Day landings at Omaha Beach.

At least one further visiting locomotive will be added to the event, details to follow closer to the event. The appearance of all locomotives is subject to completion of any required maintenance/overhaul.

For more information and to book tickets, visit www.nymr.co.uk/annual-steam-gala