GWR Cotswold Festival of Steam 2008

1 June – The Cotswold Festival of Steam 2008 will be arriving at Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway once again this summer, providing nine days of steam-driven fun and a RAF flyover fit for all the family in Cheltenham.

On Saturday 24 May to Sunday 1 June 2008, Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway will be hosting what is expected to be a very special Cotswold Festival of Steam 2008 – complete with impressive locomotives, a RAF flyover and an appearance by a famous artist.

In a particular coup for the festival, Lord Nelson – one of the most impressive steam locomotives to ever run in Britain – will be topping the bill, travelling along the 10-mile Toddington to Cheltenham railway. Lord Nelson weighs in at over 142 tons and was the most powerful express locomotive of its type when built in 1926 – designed to handle heavy holiday expresses and boat trains travelling from London to the South Coast and West Country.

Lord Nelson will be joined by no fewer than eight steam locomotives, making for what organisers promise will be one of the most impressive Cotswold Festivals of Steam Yet: ‘We’ve pulled out all the stops this year’, said GWR spokesman Ian Crowder, ‘Last year proved that variety of engines and trains offers an irresistible spectacle with over 1,000 people per day riding out rails’.

During the nine-day festival, visitors will also get the chance to travel on coaches reminiscent of the old ‘Coffee Pot’ service that ran between Cheltenham and Honeybourne until 1960.

Another highlight for this year, a RAF Battle of Britain Memorial Flight will be making a flypast on the final day of the festival, Sunday 1 June 2008, providing the rare chance to see the Lancaster bomber and Spitfire and Hurricane fighters cutting through Gloucestershire’s skies.

Last but by no means least, the final day of the Cotswolds Festival of Steam 2008 will also mark 40-years since wildlife and railway artist David Shepherd took delivery of his then nine-year-old locomotive Black Prince – resident at GWR – with the passionate enthusiast himself set to make appearance.

If you’re looking for a unforgettable day out for the whole family in Gloucestershire, look no further.

Event: Cotswold Festival of Steam
Venue: Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway
Dates: Saturday 24 May to Sunday 1 June 2008
Times: Visit gwsr.com for details of the Cotswolds Festival of Steam special timetable
Tickets: Valid for unlimited travel on the day of issue, tickets cost £14 for adults, £12 for senior citizens, £10 for children and £34 for families (valid for two adults and up to three children.

SoGlos.com
18 May 2008