GWSR Cotswold Festival of Steam 'Somerset & Dorset Remembered' 3rd to 5th June

The Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway's ever popular 'Cotswold Festival of Steam' returns, a long time in the planning, expect a theme and first visiting loco announcement on Sunday....

In the meantime make a note of the dates: 3rd to 5th of June, someone book the good weather for us!

https://www.facebook.com/GWSR-Cotswold-Festival-of-Steam-Gala-Page-111843800409161

Mike

 

Over two years late (apologies for the lack of a rail replacement bus service) the Cotswold Festival of Steam is back!

Today marks 56 years since the final trains ran over the much lamented Somerset & Dorset Railway. Our event for this year will be themed 'Somerset & Dorset Remembered' featuring a minimum of four visiting locomotives representing classes of the legendary S&D.

It gives us great pleasure to be able to announce the first of our visiting locomotives for this event, a regular over S&D metals: 34028 'Eddystone' courtesy of the Swanage Railway and owners Southern Locomotives Ltd. Returning to steam after overhaul in 2021 this will be the first visit away from her home railway.

Expect all of the usual 'Cotswold Festival of Steam' attractions, a busy and varied timetable, non stop express service, footpate rides, brakevan rides, traction engines, society and trade stands including S&D specific groups, shunting demonstrations at Winchcombe, workshops open for visits, a beer tent and much more to be announced in due course.

Discounted advance tickets will be available soon, mark the dates, 3rd to the 5th of June!

*all attractions/locomotives subject to availability

 

I guess persistents does pay off.
Still, looks a cracker!

 

Four visiting locomotives in itself sounds amazing, but a minimum of four, meaning a 5th is possible (albeit unlikely, I concede), sounds absolutely marvellous. If the line up is as fantastic as has been implied, then this event is sure to be an absolute cracker! Here's hoping for a double-header with 34028 & 35006 during the weekend.

 

Wondering why they've gone for S&D theme? Must be other locos they have in mind?

Four guest locos is surprising given covid and rising costs of everything, don't think the GWSR have ever done that before?

 

Okay, GWSR CoFS Galas in the last 29 years. Think I've only ever known 3.

 

They had four guests in 2018 (6023, 5197, 70013 & 6430), they originally planned the same number for the ill-fated 2017 gala (45305, 1450, 6046 & 53808), and I believe they had four pencilled in for the 2020 event before it was cancelled.

 

Okay well I've only ever known CFoS.

 

As for the line up for this years. Back in 2020 7109 "Joyce" (Midsomer Norton S&D), 34072 "257 Squadron" and 75014 was announced prior to the cancellation due to COVID.
I do wonder if GWSR will try again with 7109 or 75014 (cant see 34072 visiting as 34028 is already booked) But it wouldn't really surprise me if 53809 is bought in

 

Hang on, 75014 was due to visit for the 2020 gala as well? I don't recall that being announced at the time.

 

It was in the Steam Railway Mag at the time it said along the lines of GWSR was almost about to announce it as attending before they cancelled the event/or the COVID lockdown was starting.

It certainly was in one of the magazines at the very least.

 

Ah, okay; I'd be thrilled to see 75014 visit the GWSR, one can only hope.

It's worth noting that LMS Ivatt Tank No. 41241 spent the first 9 years of it's working life allocated to the S&D, so that might be a possibility...

 

I trust that was tongue in cheek Martin!
Rooms booked, can check for tickets now, been told my minor operation is now scheduled for mid- June, cracked it. Just don't want anything from Sodor turning up ! Should be a wonderful event as usual.

 

Oh darn! Just when they were to announce Murdoch, Rebecca and Belle would be visiting!

 

After the Thomas sandwich at Bury recently I guess anything can happen!

 

Don't give Mattel any ideas, at this rate it'll be an episode!
I was also contemplating about the 4 visitor minimum, do you think its one of those min/max situations where the 4 visitors are both?

 

Not given much to speculation about a situation like this, prefer to wait, see and be "chuffed" about what turns up. However, I do like the S&D 2-8-0's and hope one is available, similarly a standard 9F would be prerequisite for the theme. Pity there are no Derby 4's available at the moment. Whatever, I'm sure the line-up will be eclectic, the guys at Toddington always give a good show.