East Lancashire Railway Celebrates Heritage and Innovation with Major 2025 Events

A Living Legacy of British Railway History

The East Lancashire Railway is a registered charity dedicated to restoring, preserving, and celebrating the long and rich history of the 12-mile heritage railway line running from Heywood to Rawtenstall. As one of Britain’s premier heritage railways, the ELR continues to captivate visitors with its authentic steam and diesel experiences, whilst playing a vital role in preserving the nation’s transport heritage for future generations.

Railway 200 Exhibition Arrives in Bury

In a significant milestone for the region, the attraction will be hosted by East Lancashire Railway at Bury Bolton Street Station from Wednesday 21 January to Saturday 24 January 2026. The interactive touring train, named Inspiration, is part of the Railway 200 programme marking the bicentenary of George Stephenson’s Locomotion No. 1, the world’s first passenger steam railway. More than 40,000 people have already visited the train during its 60-stop UK tour, with 90 per cent saying they would recommend it. This free exhibition offers visitors hands-on engineering challenges and explores how rail transformed Britain and the world.

2025 Events Programme Showcases Railway Excellence

Throughout 2025, the East Lancashire Railway has hosted an impressive calendar of events. The Railway 200 Celebration Weekend on 12th to 14th September saw locos 752 and 19 in extensive use throughout the event. The East Lancashire Railway has announced its completed lineup for the upcoming Summer Diesel Gala on the 3rd to 6th July 2025. These events demonstrate the railway’s commitment to preserving both steam and diesel heritage whilst providing memorable experiences for enthusiasts and families alike.

Looking Ahead: A Future Built on Heritage

As the East Lancashire Railway continues its mission, it remains dependent on community support. The railway is run by volunteer members from the East Lancashire Railway Preservation Society (ELRPS). With upcoming events in 2026 including the Small Engines Gala and Legends of Steam III, the railway demonstrates that heritage preservation and modern visitor experiences can successfully combine. For rail enthusiasts, history lovers, and families seeking unique days out, the East Lancashire Railway offers an invaluable window into Britain’s railway heritage whilst inspiring the next generation of engineers and preservationists.