Returning once again to the bluebell railway for 2024, the diesel gala weekend is back, with a host of visitors for the event!

After renewed calls for this event to return, we heard you and its back! The Bluebell Railway once again will play host to a three day Diesel Gala weekend, taking place over the weekend of Friday 6th to Sunday 8th September 2024.

With intensive running, double heading & unique formations throughout the weekend as well as some very special guests, its an event you won’t want to miss out on in September!

Late trains with RMB on Friday & Saturday connecting with East Grinstead to London. Plus, a special Diesel Gala Beer-Ex special will also form part of the Diesel Pie & Mash special – rear six coaches only.

Trains will stop at Horsted Keynes for live music between 8pm and 10:30pm each night. With licensed bars and food available on the dock of Platform 5.

  • Friday evening: – Music from Full House Band, a popular cover band of light rock music
  • Catering will be available from The King George V Buffet on the platform (open 11am – 10pm)
  • Saturday evening – Music from Carnaby Street Band, performing hits from the 60’s
  • Pie and Mash from Simply Tasty At Horsted Keynes Station (open Saturday 11am – 10pm and Sunday 11am – 5pm)- For those passengers who hold travel only tickets
  • Rustic Bars (open 10:30am – 11pm Friday & Saturday and 10:30am – 4:30pm Sunday) and the King George Buffet will be pouring your favourite beverages, all weekend!

During the event, please support our fundraising stalls at both Sheffield Park and Horsted Keynes, including ‘Awake the Giant’, Project 27 with the ‘Fenchurch Fund’ and 1305 Thumper Group who hope to be offering guided walkthrough on the progress of 1305.

Special auction of ‘Shed Plates’ to take place on Saturday at Horsted Keynes Station (timings TBC). The auctioned ‘Shed Plates’ will be carried by various locomotives taking part in the event.

  • 4pm – 6pm at Sheffield Park Station, in the Birch Grove Suite (above the Bar and Restaurant) – Place your bets on the ‘Camel Races’
  • Just £1 per ticket (cash only).
  • 50% of the proceeds will go to the 1305 Oxted Thumper Group and the remaining 50% will form the prize pot for each race.

DIESEL GALA TIMETABLE 2024- to view, please click HERE

Please note: E6040 ‘The Bluebell Railway’ is not currently not listed on service trains within the timetable posted but will still be taking part in the gala weekend. Details TBC.

FARES AND ADMISSION PRICES: DIESEL GALA 2024 (ADVANCE AND ON THE DAY): These can be found HERE

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase a platform ticket at any of our stations, your ticket gives you access (on the day of purchase) to ALL Bluebell Railway stations