A unique and thought-provoking evening exploring the future of the rail industry will take place at the Severn Valley Railway’s Engine House at Highley on Thursday 14 May, as part of its Spring Diesel Festival.
Bringing together an exceptionally well-connected panel of senior figures from across the railway sector, the event will examine how to create a lasting and meaningful legacy from the landmark Greatest Gathering in Derby. Held in August2025, this was the largest collection of railway vehicles ever assembled in the UK. The spectacular three-day event attracted 45,000 people and formed a centrepiece of the Railway 200 celebrations.
The evening event will be hosted by SVR managing director Gus Dunster, who played a key role on the organising committee for the Greatest Gathering. He will be joined by a distinguished panel representing a wide cross-section of the modern railway:
• Tim Shoveller, Chair, Heavy Haul Rail
• Richard Corser, Charters and Special Traffic Manager, DB Cargo UK
• Mike Lamport, Railway 200 Steering Group
• Bronnie Clarke, Head of Control, East Midlands Route, Network Rail
• Matthew Thompson, Fleet Manager, Rail Operations Group
• James Shuttleworth, West Coast Railways
• Andrew Skinner, Head of Engineering, Great Western Railway
The panel discussion will be moderated by Richard Bowker CBE of Green Signals Productions.
With such a high-calibre line-up, the discussion promises rare insight into both the operational and strategic challenges facing the rail sector, as well as the opportunities created by major events like the Greatest Gathering. Topics will include industry collaboration, skills development, heritage engagement, and how to inspire the next generation to pursue careers in rail.
Gus Dunster said, “The Greatest Gathering showed what can be achieved when the whole rail industry works together towards a shared goal. This event gives us the chance to reflect on that success, but more importantly to look ahead; at how we build on that momentum to attract new talent, strengthen partnerships and secure a vibrant future for both the modern and heritage railway.”
The panel discussion forms part of a special evening experience, which also includes an illustrated talk featuring Gus Dunster, James Dobson, Richard Stanton, Simon Turner, Andy Doyle and Jason Nash of the core volunteer organising team, the session will revisit the planning and delivery of the Greatest Gathering, offering a behind-the-scenes perspective on how the record-breaking event was brought to life.
Guests will travel on a dedicated charter train from Kidderminster to Highley, departing at 5.30pm following a meet-and-greet and opportunities for cab visits at Kidderminster Town station. The outward journey will be hauled by a Class 57 locomotive, with a Class 50 working the return service, arriving back at 10pm. Food, drink and exclusive Greatest Gathering merchandise will be available at The Engine House.
Proceeds from the event will be shared between the Greatest Gathering charities and the Severn Valley Railway.
This special evening is expected to appeal not only to enthusiasts but to anyone with an interest in the future direction of Britain’s railways, offering a rare opportunity to hear directly from some of the industry’s most influential voices.
The Severn Valley Railway’s Spring Diesel Festival runs from 14 to 17 May. A limited number of tickets for the Greatest Gathering legacy evening remain available at svr.co.uk.