Winter Gala & Dark Ales Festival

About

Visit the Winter Gala & Dark Ales Festival at the Isle of Wight Steam Railway from the 20th February until the 23rd February 2025.

Celebrate the railway
This four-day festival celebrates the Railway 200, the 150th anniversary of their line (Ryde and Newport Railway) and the 100th year on the Island for their iconic flagship loco ‘Calbourne’. 

Discover historic trains
The steam railway’s historic Island Terrier W8 ‘Freshwater’ built in 1877, will return to steam following an extensive overhaul. 

The original Ryde Pier ‘Tram’, Drewry Railcar 2 was built in 1927 and withdrawn in 1969. No 2 spent it’s whole working life operating Ryde Pier as a two car unit. At the festival you will see the introduction into service of their replica trailer car, recreating the opportunity to travel in a two-car unit again!

The Class 05 Diesel D2554 ‘Nuclear Fred’ will make a rare appearance at the festival from its usual display position in the ‘Train Story’ operating in passenger service, pulling a number of brake van specials. 

Throughout the festival the Flagship ‘02’ class W24 ‘Calbourne’ will haul passenger trains.

First Winter Dark Ales Festival at the Steam Railway
Enjoy the dark ales on offer at the Barn Café and Bar throughout the four-day festival.