Hundreds of people visited North Yorkshire today to witness historic engines making their way up and down the track.
North Yorkshire Moors Railway’s annual Steam Gala was a huge success despite a number of setbacks in previous years.
Train enthusiasts were in for a treat thanks to a host of iconic locos taking part in the event including the ‘Sir Nigel Gresley’ No.4498 (6007) and the BR Standard 5 No.73156 which visited the gala courtesy of the Great Central Railway in Loughborough.
Crowds were seen gathering at Grosmont Station as steam hissed and billowed around the station.
The event runs for four days from Thursday, September 22 to Sunday, September 25.
Victor Wood, a volunteer working for Grosmont Station Group from Yarm, said it was a busy day but “Thursday was definitely the best day.”
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He added: “Yes it was opening day, but It’s probably because of the weather that it isn’t as busy.
“We were hoping for more children and families today but there’s not that many.
“Grosmont has been quite busy though today, when I first got here there were people right up to the platform edge.
“It’s just been a slow start to it all that’s all, yesterday was slow as well but as I say Thursday was much better.”
Mr Wood is a volunteer at the station and is responsible for its upkeep, including painting and cleaning.
Speaking about his role at the station he said: “We’re volunteers here and we do all the painting and planting, all the money from this event goes towards the upkeep of the station.
“So we paint every building, the lampposts, the whole lot, all the planting and things is done by the ladies, you can see the entrance has a beautiful display.
“Usually in the group, there are about 22 volunteers, but regular members are between 6 and 12.
“We’re a very enthusiastic team and there’s usually quite a few of us.”
Pilar, a member of the catering team at North Yorkshire Moors Railway, said the day had been “good so far.”
She added: “It was really busy at Pickering when I came from there to here for work, it’s been fantastic.
“When I arrived here the platform was really busy as well and that’s good for us of course.”
The weather was very cloudy for much of the day, however, Pilar said it hadn’t “affected the day much at all.”
She said: “The people that come to the Steam Gala are from all around the country and the world.
“It’s people who really love trains like we do, like all the staff and volunteers who are working here, it just doesn’t matter.
“Whether it is raining or snowing, people will still come, obviously if it is sunny it is better but I think it’s going to be alright.”
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Asked whether it was as busy as it had been in the past, she stressed that despite Covid, it was as busy as it used to be.
She added: “Like I said, I think it’s just as busy as it used to be before Covid, I think it’s really, really busy considering the weather and everything.
“I just want to encourage absolutely everyone across the region and the country to come down next year.
“We are still doing it every year because it is an absolutely amazing event for kids and adults and I think it’s a way to enjoy time together.
“It’s a lovely family day out and I just encourage everyone to come along when they can.”
Jeffrey Neal, a visitor to the Gala said the weather had held out and he was looking forward to his meal in the dining car tonight.
He said: “I do this pretty often yes, this is the third year running I’ve come here, the first year we booked on the train for a meal.
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“Covid sadly stopped that, and the next year - the last Gala - there was a collision with the coaches so it’s third time lucky with this one.
“Hopefully tonight at quarter past seven, I’ll be having a meal as planned.
“I think last year there were more people here, but it’s still very busy so I doubt it will be much different from last year.
“Well I’ll be in the dining car tonight, and when I find my partner again, she’s kicking about somewhere, we’ll be going for a beef burger over at the dining area, they are lovely.”
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