Miniature Traction Engines
We are now accepting entries from exhibitors of Miniature Traction Engines for our gala weekend.
If you wish to enter your engine, please download, complete and return the form below.
Lappa Valley’s Grand Gala Weekend 2026
Lappa Valley's Grand Gala Weekend is going to be the BIGGEST we've ever hosted! Tickets on sale NOW.
We’re excited to be hosting a truly landmark heritage celebration here at Lappa Valley on 13th and 14th June 2026.
For the first time in our history, operational visiting steam locomotives will run on our 15-inch gauge Main Railway. Across the weekend, there will be a record five steam locomotives in action at once – the most ever seen here at Lappa Valley.
A major highlight is the visit of Mr. Hallworth, a locomotive from Perrygrove Railway Adventure in Gloucestershire. Named in memory of Tony Hallworth from Wadebridge, the engine honours a man who inspired and mentored generations of railway volunteers through his work at heritage railways, including Bodmin Railway. For us, this visit represents a very special homecoming to Cornwall.
Also visiting is Spirit of Adventure, the largest 15-inch gauge Exmoor-built tank engine ever constructed. Appearing courtesy of Perrygrove Railway Adventure and Michael Crofts, this impressive locomotive is significantly larger than our own Exmoor engine Ellie – with a cab large enough for the driver to stand inside, making it a real standout in steam.
These visiting engines will join our Lappa Valley favourites Zebedee, Muffin, Ellie, City of Truro and Arthur for a packed weekend of activity across the railway.
Click here to read more about the event, and the significance of the visiting engines.
What to Expect
- Double-headed steam trains
- Non-stop runs on the Main Railway
- The return of our ever-popular parallel runs (racing trains)
- A spectacular grand finale, featuring a train with every available locomotive on the Main Rail in action at once.
There will be plenty happening across the rest of the site too. Our Newlyn Downs Branch Line will run additional services, while the Lakeside Railway will host visiting steam locomotives. A selection of miniature traction engines will also be on display.
We strongly advise you pre-book tickets online to avoid disappointment
Please note, that Annual Members will be welcome to attend this event for free. However, they will still have to pre-book online, and your membership must be presented and valid on the day of your visit. In order to book as a Lappa Valley Member, please log-into your account on the booking system.
