Ale on the Rails 2026 - Midland Railway

Details

Start: 18/07/2026 End: 19/07/2026 Timetable: Special Timetable

Join us at Midland Railway – Butterley on Saturday 18th & Sunday 19th July 2026 for our ‘Ale on the Rails event!

This weekend will feature both steam and diesel locomotives from our home fleet alongside visiting locomotives.

Alongside this, the railway will feature a beer festival supported by TomSaid micropub once again, Steam/Diesel on the Golden Valley Light Railway, Bus rides around our heritage site, Diesel Roller can crush, Road Transport displays, West Shed experience, Butterley Park miniature railway, Road steam display, live band, food vendors & Rail vehicles from our historical collection outside on display.

Crowded train platform with numerous people walking between blue and green locomotives on both sides, and fields in the background.

This weekend will see our BR Mark1 coaches. We also hope to use BR Mark3 carriages on service trains and will be accompanied by our Mark1 Brake/Goods vehicle in its BR Blue ‘Newspapers’ livery!

Butterley Station will have a converted horsebox bar, with plenty more beers down at Swanwick Junction.

IMG_4711 - Midland Railway - Butterley — Free Bus rides around the Swanwick Junction site

Home fleet Locomotives

Diesels 08590, 31108, 44004, 45108,

Steam No15, 16440

Visiting Locomotives:-

Green diesel locomotive on display with red wheels, parked beside a workshop shed (D3401) under a blue sky — Hauling its first passenger services in over 16 years BR Class 08 D3401 joins the Ale on the Rails gala lineup
The 08 has recently undergone a full restoration were very excited to see D3401 back in action at Midland Railway Butterley

As D3401 is air only braking system it is planned to operate with home fleet Class 08 08590

D3401 is owned by The Princess Royal Class Locomotive Trust can normally be seen at The West Shed at Swanwick Junction Our thanks to PRCLT for making the locomotive available for the event

Hop off the train at Swanwick Junction and explore our historical site, packed with things to see and do for all ages.

Discover the Victorian Railwayman’s Church, step back in time in the West Shed Experience, and explore the Road Transport Building, Stationary Power House & Golden Valley Light Railway. Younger visitors can let off steam in the kids’ play area, while families can enjoy a stroll around the Country Park.

Other attractions may also be open on the day, all subject to volunteer availability.

Deeley’s Tearooms at Swanwick Junction will also be open, serving a selection of hot and cold drinks, snacks, ice creams, and sandwiches — perfect for a relaxing break during your visit.

Please note: Free Parking and entrance are at Butterley station. Swanwick Junction Station is not accessible with vehicles.