Overview

• The Greatest Gathering kicked off on August 1 at Alstom’s Litchurch Lane Works in Derby, opening the historic factory to the public for the first time in nearly 50 years to celebrate 200 years of the modern railway.
• Organizers reported that thousands of international visitors streamed through more than 140 exhibits on opening day to explore steam, diesel and electric rolling stock.
• Standout attractions included the 200-year-old Locomotion No. 1 displayed alongside a Derby-built Class 720 Aventra, the Flying Scotsman and a lineup of high-speed trains.
• Families enjoyed a STEM hub and model railway village while enthusiasts sampled test-track rides and previewed HS2 interior concept designs.
• All ticket proceeds will fund five Railway 200 charities and heritage partners, and the sold-out event is projected to attract nearly 40,000 visitors by Sunday.