It’s another year, another roaring success for Severn Valley Railway’s Spring Diesel Festival.

Last year’s festival saw a massive increase in visitor numbers, and this year they welcomed over 3,700 people from the 15th to the 18th May.

The long weekend saw a diverse 20 locomotives in action, including a Class 70, a Class 69 and 57003.

The visiting locomotives joined the Severn Valley Railway home fleet for 2025’s largest diesel event on the railway.

On 17th, 50033 ‘Glorious’, named after the Royal Navy aircraft, was rededicated at Kidderminster Town station.

Representatives of the HMS Glorious, HMS Ardent and HMS Acasta Association (GLARAC) and the Royal Navy attended the re-dedication to commemorate its 85th anniversary of the ships’ sinking, where 1,207 lives were lost.

Ahead of further events, the Severn Valley Railway has begun work on repairing the landslip, while there is no confirmed reopening date, it is expected to be in the summer season.

They are also working on plans for their Autumn Diesel Bash from the 2nd to the 5th of October.

‘What a fantastic show we put on!’

‘Our Spring diesel event traditionally showcases the best of both heritage and modern diesel traction, and this year’s event was absolutely up there with the best.

‘I’m delighted with what we’ve achieved here, especially with the added challenge of a shortened running line between Kidderminster and Hampton Loade only, due to the landslip at Mor Brook.

‘We experienced some delays, mainly around the Kidderminster to Bewdley shuttle service and its associated run rounds and shunts at Bewdley, but nevertheless there were plenty of highlights across the four days.’

‘Whilst our visitor numbers were down compared to our equivalent event last year. We were expecting this, bearing in mind the reduced line length we’re currently able to operate on. For those who came however, the event clearly delivered a great experience, and we have had extremely positive feedback.

‘A really good factor for us has been that secondary spend actually increased on 2024 at all locations except Bridgnorth, which remains cut off from the rest of the line because of the landslip.’

Jonathan ‘Gus’ Dunster, Managing Director