The Bure Valley Railway marked a special milestone this summer with its 35th Anniversary Gala Weekend, held on 7-8th June 2025. The two-day celebration brought together steam enthusiasts, families, and long-time supporters to honor 35 wonderful years since our Norfolk heritage line first opened in 1990.

A Weekend of Steam and Nostalgia

It was a weekend packed with steam, smiles, and nostalgia. The full Bure Valley Railway steam fleet was joined by two very special guests from the Romney Hythe & Dymchurch Railway in Kent - No. 6 Samson and No. 9 Winston Churchill. These locomotives have a long history with the Bure Valley Railway line, having hauled the very first public train back in 1990. Their much-anticipated return, announced earlier this year by RailAdvent, created real excitement among railway fans across the country.

Across both days, we ran an intensive timetable between Aylsham and Wroxham, with trains operating constantly. Passengers could travel on as many services as they liked with a day rover ticket, soaking up the scenery and atmosphere from both ends of the line. The nine-mile route through the Norfolk Broads countryside - passing meadows, the River Bure, and the pretty halts at Brampton, Buxton and Coltishall - made the perfect backdrop for this milestone occasion.

Steam Power and Dedication

The combination of our home fleet and the visiting Romney Hythe & Dymchurch engines made for a spectacular line-up, drawing crowds of visitors and photographers to every station. It was a rare opportunity to see and ride behind so many beautifully maintained narrow-gauge locomotives in full steam.

As Andrew Barnes, Managing Director of the Bure Valley Railway, said: “It has been a privilege to bring these visiting engines back to BVR for our 35th Gala Weekend. Seeing them alongside our home fleet, in full steam, on this beautiful line makes for a weekend that celebrates everything the railway stands for.”

A Celebration of Heritage

The festivities didn’t stop at the locomotives. The weekend also featured photo runs, heritage engineering displays, and a fantastic atmosphere at every station. Visitors praised the smooth organisation and the commitment of volunteers who made the busy timetable run like clockwork.

The success of the 35th Anniversary Gala is a testament to the railway’s ongoing dedication to preserving Norfolk’s rail heritage and sharing the magic of steam with visitors of all ages.

Looking Ahead

With 35 years of steam history behind it, the Bure Valley Railway is still steaming ahead. A packed programme of events and themed weekends is already planned, offering more opportunities to experience this much-loved narrow-gauge steam railway in Norfolk - whether you’re a regular visitor, part of a group, or new to the line altogether. Learn more about upcoming timetables and special events, or follow our official social channels for the latest updates.