Alstom set a new standard in global mobility and heritage with The Greatest Gathering , celebrating the 200th anniversary of the railway, held at its Derby Litchurch Lane Plant in Derby, UKfrom August 1-3, 2025. Not only did the event bring together virtual and physical participation, it raised more than £100,000, making a broad impact for the public good and taking concrete steps to secure the railway heritage of the future.
Strategic Scope of the Event: An Experience Beyond Passion and Ambition
This special week at Alstom’s manufacturing powerhouse in Derby was an educational and inspiring experience for attendees, showcasing the world’s largest collection of historic and modern trains. Visitors walked past the factory’s collection of more than 140 vehicles, gaining detailed insights into enduring heritage projects and innovative production lines. Simultaneously, a global audience was engaged in the program thanks to virtual access, and the impact of the event transcended borders.
- Place and Time: Derby Litchurch Lane Factory, August 1-3, 2025
- Number of Visitors: 40.000 physical visitors and millions of virtual viewers
- Vehicle Diversity: more than 140 vintage and modern trains
- Total Donation 100.over £1,000
Andy Butters, one of the main architects of the event, was proud that the donations were directed to charities and heritage organizations that keep Britain’s railway history alive and praised it as a sign of social solidarity.
Distribution of the donation and its impact on charities
announced on Monday, December 8, the giant check was generated from event ticket sales, vendor fees and merchandise sales. As part of Railway 200, five national charities and more than 50 rail heritage organizations will receive a share of the donation. The National Charities include Alzheimer’s Research UK, Railway Benefit Fund, Railway Children, Railway Mission, Transport Benevolent Fund CIO. These organizations have the capacity to provide direct support in the event of illness, injury or financial hardship faced by rail workers and their families.
Jo Kaye, CEO ofthe Railway Benefit Fund, said that the proceeds will provide a quick and effective helping hand in the face of adversity and emphasized that these donations strengthen social solidarity.
Official Artwork and Celebrity Participants
In the visual memory of the event, the official artwork by Tim O’Brien took center stage. It was displayed as an oil painting that captured the energy of the festival. Introduced by Pete Waterman OBE, it stood out as a celebration of Britain’s railway heritage. The print was also praised by celebrity guests including Michael Portillo and Jeremy Vine. In addition, the scene of the world’s first Pride parade on a train was one of the colorful moments reflected in the artwork.
The painting was displayed under a large aluminum train hood in the J Shop area, designed by Newton Castings in Chesterfield. This turned into a meeting with Alstom volunteers supporting heritage work.
Historical Context and Future Projects
The Derby Litchurch Lane Works, opened by the Midland Railway in 1876, maintained its position as one of the largest rolling stock factories in the world. Future projects included the preparation of new production lines such as the Elizabeth Line (Class 507), scheduled to be operational within two months. In addition, the preservation work on the Class 507 locomotive has taken on an actual function as part of a collective volunteer movement carried out in conjunction with the Class 507 Preservation Society. The locomotive was purchased for £1 through a private donation and served as a litmus test for heritage work.
A time capsule burial ceremony was held on the morning of the event day. At the ceremony, which took place at Derby Roundhouse, Jack Rhodes concluded his remarks by highlighting the 200th anniversary and Derby’s central role within the industry.
Awards and Recognition
The Greatest Gathering has been recognized on the national stage. Honors such as the Project Team Award at the RailStaff Awards 2025and the Star Team Award at the Railway Benefit Fund 2025 Golden Heart Awards. It was also nominated for the Rail Business Awards and shortlisted for Festival or Event of the Year at the Derbyshire and Derby Tourism Awards. The event has also been nominated for a Steam Railway Magazine Award, which will be decided by public vote as part of the Heritage Railway Association’s 2026 Annual Awards.
In this way, The Greatest Gathering has become not only a fundraiser, but also an influential reference point for the sustainability of cultural heritage and the strengthening of volunteer solidarity.
