Run-time: 1h 10mins approx.

This programme looks at the sights and sounds of the Severn Valley Steam Gala which took place for a continuous period for no less than 58 hours between 25th & 27th September 2009.

The theme of the event was locomotives designed by H.G. Ivatt. As well as the railway’s own fleet of steam locomotives in action, we also see visiting locomotives in the shape of Keighley and Worth Valley Railway’s Tank no: 41241; recently steamed and on loan from the Great Central Railway GNR 0-6-2T, no: 1744; from the Langollen Railway GWR 0-6-2T no: 5643 owned by the Furness Railway Trust; & GWR ‘Hall’ Class 4-6-0 no: 4936 ‘Kinlet Hall’ which is normally based at Tyseley.

In addition we also visited the line on the weekend before & after the event to witness the railway on a more normal running day! The programme visits various locations up and down the line, such as on Eardington bank, where the locomotives are seen working hard; and Hampton Loade, Highley and Arley stations with their heritage atmosphere and preserved station buildings.

We also cover some of the night workings where dimly lit stations provide a superb atmosphere as the steam trains come & go into the darkness. No less than 11 different locomotives are seen in action along the 16 mile line, with period passenger workings including authentic LMS, GWR & GNER coach formations, local passenger workings and a demonstration freight with GWR Saddle-tank no: 813 on possibly its last gala appearance for some time, pending further overhaul.