After a fantastic and successful 2025 season, we’re excited to look ahead to what promises to be an even bigger and better year in 2026 at the North Tyneside Steam Railway Association. Building on the enthusiasm, support and growing visitor numbers of last year, we’re planning a varied programme of events to make the most of the season.
Please see below for a list of our upcoming 2026 events. We look forward to welcoming you along for another exciting year on the railway! 🚂
Coal Train Day
Sunday 26th April 2026, 10:00-16:00
Our railway runs along a narrow strip of land that at one time contained four independent railway routes all transporting coal south to the Tyne. Visit us to see this history recreated while you watch us hauling an authentic rake of coal hoppers along the line.
In the museum we’ll be joined by historian Nick Richardson who will be delivering a talk on the history and socioeconomic impact of the transport of coal from pit to port on Tyneside. Nick will also be hosting an ‘up close and personal’ session with ‘Harton E4’ in the museum to showcase the history of this unique locomotive.
Race the Train – Are You Fast Enough?
Race the Train – Are You Fast Enough?Sunday 17th May 2026, 11:00-12:30
Take on the ultimate challenge at our 3k fun run on Sunday 17th May 2026, starting at 11:30am!
Put your speed to the test as you race alongside our steam train, cheered on by spectators and carried by the thrill of chasing the locomotive to the finish line. It’s fun, family friendly, and perfect for runners of all abilities. Whether you’re aiming to beat the train or just enjoy the unique experience, Race the Train promises excitement, fresh air, and unforgettable memories.
Lace up… the whistle’s about to blow!
Entrants take part at their own risk. Stewards will be situated throughout the course. The course follows a mixture of paved footpaths, tarmac footpaths, waggonways and gravel footpaths.
Entrants should ensure they wear suitable footwear. First aid available at the museum. Train departs Middle Engine Lane at 1130am sharp so please arrive 15 minutes before.
Entrants not wishing to ride the train can join the run directly from Percy Main Station. Entry £5 and payable on arrival. Run starts at 11.50 sharp.
What3Words Percy Main Station – ///tennis.topped.cases
Steam Gala
5th June 2026 – 7th June 2026, 10:00-16:00
A must-see for all fans of steam locomotives, our steam gala returns for 2026. This event will be a rare opportunity to see a former Wallsend workhorse in steam on Tyneside for the first time in over 50 years! 
We are excited to announce that Peckett & Sons No. 1351 ‘Lion’ will be visiting us for our Steam Gala on 5th-7th June.
Built in 1914 for the Royal Arsenal’s extensive internal railway system in Woolwich, ‘Lion’ is the sole surviving example of Peckett’s ‘E’ class. In 1950, she was sold to the Wallsend Slipway and Engineering Company and worked on the quayside by the river Tyne until entering preservation at the Chasewater Railway in 1974.
This will be the locomotive’s first visit to another railway since returning from overhaul and we are grateful to Lion’s owner and the Lincolnshire Wolds Railway for allowing us to return this true Wallsend workhorse to North Tyneside.
There will be an intensive timetable of passenger and demonstration freight trains running throughout the weekend including double headers and top and tailed trains. We’ll also be joined by an impressive display of classic cars and local history stalls inside the museum.
Tickets available soon.
Photographic Evening
Friday 5th June 2026, 18:00 till late
Our popular photographic evening returns for 2026, featuring a variety of locomotives, rolling stock and volunteers in period clothing. The evening will see a packed itinerary of staged scenes in the yard and the opportunity to visit lineside locations to capture several ‘run pasts’ of the railway’s demonstration freight trains.
This is an outdoor event and will involve walking on ballast and uneven surfaces. All participants must wear sturdy shoes and other suitable outdoor clothing. Photographers of all experience welcome.
The Waggonway Tea Room will be open for refreshments.
Event runs 6pm – 10pm.
Tickets are £10 and are strictly limited to 50 places. More information coming soon.
Model Railway Weekend
25th July 2026 – 26th July 2026, 10:00-16:00
Our annual model railway weekend returns for 2026 with more layouts, traders and miniature live steam! This year’s exhibition will see the museum filled with a mixture of O, OO and N gauge layouts and traders.
Outside the museum, there’ll be miniature steam train rides on the 7 ¼” railway and plenty of action on the ‘big’ railway too! On Saturday, there’ll be the chance to ride on a ‘train set’-style consist – a train made up of a mixture of carriages and freight wagons.
This year’s show is being organised in partnership with the Blyth & Tyne Model Railway Club, who are holding their exhibition, ‘RailEx NE’, on the same weekend this year.
Joint ticketing options will be available to allow entry into both exhibitions and a free shuttle bus will be running between the museum and RailEx NE at The Parks Sports Centre. More information available soon!
Ale By Rail 2026
Saturday 15th August 2026, 14:00-23:00
ALE BY RAIL – BACK FOR ROUND TWO! 
After a hugely successful debut, Ale by Rail returns on 15th August 2026—bigger, better, and brimming with local flavour!
Join us for a day packed with:
Local beers, craft ales & ciders from some of the region’s finest breweries
Delicious street food from local vendors
Live music all day to keep the festival vibe flowing Train rides and miniature railway adventures for all ages
Whether you’re a beer lover, a foodie, or just looking for a great day out, Ale by Rail is the perfect summer celebration.
All aboard for good times, great tastes, and unforgettable memories!
Shunter Sunday
Sunday 6th September 2026, 11:00
Are you ready to travel back to the 1980s, when British Rail blue dominated the railway and diesel power ruled the rails?
If so, then back by popular demand following last year’s successful event, our two BR blue shunters—03078 and 08915—are once again stepping out of the yard and into the spotlight for our 2026 Shunter Sunday!
Usually confined to shunting duties and standby work for the steam fleet, this is their chance to take charge of the line.
Throughout the day, the pair will haul a varied mix of passenger and freight services, recreating the sights and sounds of a bygone era. Expect double-headed action, top-and-tail formations, and plenty of rare mileage behind both locomotives as they work a busy and intensive timetable.
Whether you joined us last year or are looking to experience something a little different, this is a day not to be missed.
Miniature Railway Gala
Sunday 27th September 2026, 11:00-16:00
Ride behind a mixture of steam, petrol and battery locomotives on our miniature railway!
Autumn Gala
24th October 2026 – 25th October 2026, 16:00
See our railway at its busiest! Our autumn gala will see all available locomotives from the home fleet operating a packed timetable of steam and diesel-hauled passenger and freight trains.
More information coming soon.
