A historic locomotive will return to the spotlight as part of a major anniversary celebration.
The Severn Valley Railway (SVR) has confirmed that Class 55 Deltic locomotive D9015 Tulyar will appear at its 2027 Spring Diesel Festival, marking 40 years since its first diesel gala in 1987.
The four-day event will run from May 13 to 16 and will feature Tulyar as a special guest, courtesy of the Deltic Preservation Society.
Gus Dunster, chief executive officer of SVR and a long-time volunteer diesel driver, said: "This is a really special announcement for me.
"I’ve been involved with the SVR for more than 30 years, both as a volunteer and as a driver, and our diesel events have always been a hugely important part of the railway’s story. To be celebrating 40 years since that first diesel gala in 1987 is quite something.
"I remember well how exciting and pioneering those early events felt, and to be welcoming Tulyar back, one of the stars of that very first gala, makes this announcement all the more special."
Tulyar is one of only six surviving locomotives from the famous Deltic class and returned to passenger service earlier this year after a 30-year restoration.
It was named after one of the Aga Khan’s champion racehorses and is considered a significant piece of Britain’s railway heritage.
Mr Dunster said: "There’s a huge amount of work going on behind the scenes to put together a really memorable four days, and I can promise that this is just the beginning.
"We have plenty more exciting guest announcements to come, and I can't wait to see what we can achieve for this very special anniversary."
The 2027 Spring Diesel Festival will feature a mix of SVR’s home fleet locomotives and visiting guests, with more details to be announced.
Tickets will go on sale soon via the SVR website at svr.co.uk.
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