Llangollen Railway branch line gala: April 10-12 2026

Visiting small prairie No. 4555 from Dartmouth Steam Railway / East Somerset Railway set to headline, with 7754, 3802 and the final running days for D9525.

A further guest also being discussed. Some big competition with the ELR the same weekend; I suspect many people (myself included) will be going between the two.

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1HTmAPBnEA/

https://llangollen-railway.co.uk/upcoming-events/

 

I shall be attending Llangollen as it has stunning scenery with very decent pubs a short walk from each station.

https://berwynarms.co.uk/

https://thegrouseinncarrog.co.uk/

 

Second Guest Locomotive Confirmed for Branch Line Gala 2026

We’re delighted to announce GWR pannier tank No. 1369 as the second visiting locomotive for our Branch Line Gala, taking place from 10–12 April 2026.

Built at Swindon in 1934, No. 1369 is the sole surviving member of its class, designed for lighter branch line work and later famed for its final years on the Wenford China Clay branch. Now based at the South Devon Railway, this will be its first-ever visit to Llangollen.

It joins a fantastic line-up including Small Prairie 4555, the final running days of Class 14 D9525, and our home fleet favourites, making five Swindon-built locomotives in action over the weekend.

Tickets are selling well – book now

https://llangollen-railway.co.uk/branchline-gala/

Three days of intensive services, classic branch line atmosphere and something special around every corner

 

There will be a short goods set out each day during this event, which will be great to see.

Also been confirmed through charter organisers that 4555 will face Llangollen. Timetable expected soon.

 

Timetable now published, hopefully the link works:

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1C5Tsa3Cak/?mibextid=wwXIfr

 

PDF also attached to this post for those that don't do FB (ones tailored to each day are also available). I'd imagine a copy will be available on the site too.

 

I notice on the online booking form that there are over 700 tickets available for kayaks - I think the trains might be a bit full if they sell all of those.

 

Seems there's no division for people v kayaks - seems to be same number of tickets for all categories, so anyone with four kayaks can book a table for four

A reply to a comment on FB has also pointed out 7754 will return from Cranmore facing East (i.e into Llangollen) which will make for a few different photographs.

 

The Llangollen Railway's Facebook page is advertising a connecting bus from Ruabon. There currently isn't any times yet.

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Bus timetable attached.
There will be a gala booklet this year again (currently working on that) which will contain all relevant timetable and information for the weekend inside too.

 

4555 On Photo Charter Duties on Tuesday looking the part on 2 Subs in gorgeous Spring sunshine that felt like summer during the afternoon.




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Lovely weather today and quite busy but comfortable. Timetable had slipped from early on with the 1005 from Llangollen having to wait at Goods Jnct for the late running goods. Dep from jnct was at 1022 - 14 late. A few odd minutes lost elsewhere.

The 1305 from Llangollen to Glyndyfrdwy held for the late running 1259 arrival - could have passed at gds jnct which would have saved a few minutes. Departed 19 late. Had intended to cross over at Glyn onto the Teddy Bear - a 4 min connection on the timetable, however this hadn't been held.

Glitch in the timetable then came to light as the 1320 ex Llangollen shod have arrived before 4555 headed back on the 1345, however both appear to be booked in the same platform, plus the 1320 was due to pass gds jnct 3 mins before the previous service had cleared the section. This resulted in the delayed 1345 being sent back first passing the 1320 at gds jnct - this service ending up around 50 mins late. Obviously knock on effects for the rest of the day now, but one to be aware of for those may be planning swaps or have bus connections etc to make as the tt is the same for Sat and Sun. I believe the afternoon goods had already been caped.

Just left Llan right time on the 1435 behind the 45 and 57, but now being held at gds jnct to pass the 13 - anybody on that who planned to swap onto the double-header at Llan will miss out unless they have bailed early at Berwyn.

Still a pleasant day, but glad I'm not dependant on making any bus connections back to Ruabon this afternoon.

Edit. 1435 away from gds jnct 18 late after waiting for 1369 to pass.

 

Lovely day at the gala. For anyone coming over the weekend, be warned that Set V (Brake Vans and Pigeon Van) does have rather limited capacity, particularly with the brake vans.