The Severn Valley Railway is celebrating the success of its most recent rail enthusiast event, as it looks back on the four days of its Spring Diesel Festival. With visitor numbers significantly exceeding expectations, and a stunning line-up of diesel traction, the event further cements the railway’s position as a leading provider of enthusiast events.
Well over 5,000 people travelled during the event, experiencing a huge variety of diesel traction. Visitors included representatives of Classes 69, 70, 73, 59, 46, 37, two HSTs and five Class 20s, as well as members of the SVR’s home fleet.
“What a four days we’ve had!” said managing director Jonathan ‘Gus’ Dunster. “This was another well-planned and professionally delivered event and I’d like to thank everyone involved across the entire SVR for their hard work and dedication.
“We had a couple of locomotive issues, and these were both extremely well handled operationally, and the diesel engineering team dealt superbly with an issue with the Colas HST on Friday.
“We’re also indebted to our industry partners for their wholehearted and much-welcome support; our thanks go to GB Railfreight, Colas, Freightliner, Locomotive Services Group, 20189 Ltd and Eastern Rail Services.
“Once more, I have been inundated by positive comments from visitors, volunteers and staff regarding the ‘feel good factor’ and the overall quality of the event.
“Our commercial results are of course, all important, and I’m delighted to say that we smashed the budget for both passenger numbers and secondary spend. Yet again, a triumph that showcased our wonderful railway at its very best.”
The SVR’s Autumn Diesel Bash will take place between 3 and 6 October, and promises “an almighty celebration of heritage locomotives but with the possibility of one or two surprises!” Tickets are available at svr.co.uk