Diesel Gala
When? 08 May 2026 to 10 May 2026
Where? Swanage
Save the date: Friday 8 – Sunday 10 May 2026
Preview Day: Thursday 7 May
Our much-loved Diesel Gala & Beer Festival returns to the Purbeck line for a long weekend of heritage diesel action and good cheer. From first light to late evening, expect the friendly buzz Swanage Railway is known for — coupled with a cracking beer festival at Corfe Castle station. It’s the perfect mix of classic traction, big skies, and time well spent with family and friends.
On Thursday 7 May, we’ll warm things up with our popular mixed traction Preview Day — a relaxed taster that sets the tone for the three days to come.
Event highlights
An exciting and varied line-up of home fleet and visiting diesel locomotives.
Intensive train service from around 09:00 – 23:30 on Friday and Saturday, and 09:00 – 18:00 on Sunday.
Beer Festival all weekend at Corfe Castle station.
When it’s happening
Preview Day: Thursday 7 May 2026
Main Gala: Friday 8 May – Sunday 10 May 2026
A flavour of the weekend
Three days of proper diesel traction across our beautiful countryside line, late-night running for those golden, dusky departures, and a welcoming festival atmosphere on every platform. Between trains, wander over to Corfe Castle station for a hand-picked selection of beers and ciders, then hop back on to catch another working — or simply sit back and watch the movements roll by.
Look out for more information soon. We’ll share the visiting loco roster, detailed timetables, rover options, and the full beer list as we get closer to the event. For now, pop the dates in your diary and start planning your perfect Gala weekend.
Assistance dogs are permitted on trains. Other dogs may be present on platforms. If someone in your party is nervous around dogs, contact info@swanagerailway.co.uk before your visit.
If you wish to sit near another family, please make one booking to cover all seats.
Alcohol may only be consumed if purchased from Swanage Railway bars or outlets. Bringing your own alcohol is not permitted.
Please treat staff, volunteers, and fellow passengers with courtesy and respect. Swanage Railway may refuse entry or travel to anyone whose behaviour causes concern.
Please be considerate of our heritage, community, and neighbours during your visit.
More information:
Visit Event Website
Events Nearby
Spring Steam Gala
Peter Rabbit Easter Experience
Diesel Gala
Swanage Pirate Festival
Swanage Jazz Festival
Latest Swanage Features...
Whether you call him Santa Claus, Father Christmas, St Nicks or simply Santa, your little one will want to meet the real Santa in Dorset this year. Lucky for you, many of Dorset's businesses have arranged magical experiences and Santa's Grottos throughout Dorset for you and your family to do just that.
Maybe you're looking for breakfast with Santa, a magical winter wonderland, or a SEN Santa visit.
We are building up all the best local events, so take a look at ... Read more...
Dorset's stunning locations have featured in several high profile music videos over the years. And why not? The county is blessed with some striking landscapes and coastal scenery.
Below you'll find a selection of music videos featuring Dorset, some showcase the county's sights more prominently than others, but do you know of any more? Let us know in the comments and we'll keep this page updated!
Count the Ways
The Last Dinner Party
Eerie, enchanting, ... Read more...
Catch a Crab
Crabbing is brilliant traditional family fun; you can spend hours sat on a harbour wall, ice cream in one hand, crabbing net in the other. Where are the best places to catch those crabs? Try Kimmeridge Bay, Mudeford Quay, West Bay Harbour, Poole Quay and Weymouth Harbour all excellent crabbing spots. What will you need to catch them? Use a crabbing net (not a line) plus some bait — they love bacon or smelly fish — and sink the net straight down the ... Read more...