The Severn Valley Railway (SVR) has announced that Class 55 Deltic locomotive D9015 Tulyar will be among the special guest attractions at its Spring Diesel Festival next year, marking 40 years since the railway’s very first diesel gala.
Taking place over four days, from 13 to 16 May 2027, the festival will welcome Tulyar courtesy of the Deltic Preservation Society. The locomotive has a particularly special place in the SVR’s history, having been one of the stars of its inaugural diesel gala back in 1987.
This early announcement promises to be a real treat for diesel enthusiasts. One of the six surviving members of the famous Deltic class, D9015 returned to passenger service earlier this year following an extraordinary 30-year restoration project, involving extensive bodywork and mechanical repairs.
The locomotive was named Tulyar after one of the Aga Khan’s champion racehorses and has become a much-loved part of Britain’s railway heritage.
For SVR chief executive officer Gus Dunster, the announcement is particularly meaningful. A longstanding volunteer diesel driver at the railway, Gus has a deep personal connection with the SVR’s diesel heritage.
He said: “This is a really special announcement for me. I’ve been involved with the SVR for more than 30 years, both as a volunteer and as a driver, and our diesel events have always been a hugely important part of the railway’s story.
“To be celebrating 40 years since that first diesel gala in 1987 is quite something. I remember well how exciting and pioneering those early events felt, and to be welcoming Tulyar back, one of the stars of that very first gala, makes this announcement all the more special.
“I’m absolutely delighted that we can share this news so early. There’s a huge amount of work going on behind the scenes to put together a really memorable four days, and I can promise that this is just the beginning. We have plenty more exciting guest announcements to come, and I can’t wait to see what we can achieve for this very special anniversary.”
The SVR’s 2027 Spring Diesel Festival will celebrate four decades of diesel events at the railway, bringing together an exciting mix of home fleet locomotives and special visiting guests. Organisers are already working hard to secure further attractions, with more announcements to follow.
The SVR said tickets for the 2027 Spring Diesel Festival will go on sale soon at svr.co.uk.