Lappa Valley announces biggest-ever gala – including “homecoming” of tribute locomotive
For the first time in the railway’s history, operational visiting steam locomotives will run on the attractions 15-inch gauge Main Railway. The weekend will also see a record five steam locomotives in action at once – the most ever at Lappa Valley.
Lappa Valley, near St Newlyn East, has announced plans for a landmark heritage celebration event on 13th and 14th June.
For the first time in the railway’s history, operational visiting steam locomotives will run on the attractions 15-inch gauge Main Railway. The weekend will also see a record five steam locomotives in action at once – the most ever 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. This visit marks a symbolic “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, the locomotive is significantly larger than Lappa Valley’s own Exmoor Engine ‘Ellie’. It offers a striking sight – with a cab large enough for the driver to stand inside.
The visiting engines will join Lappa Valley favourites Zebedee, Muffin, Ellie, City of Truro and Arthur across a packed weekend of services. Highlights include double-headed trains, non-stop runs, and the return of the ever-popular parallel runs. The weekend will conclude with a grand finale, with a train featuring every available locomotive running simultaneously.
Elsewhere across the site, the 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.
Ben Harding, Operations Director at Lappa Valley, said: “This is a real milestone for us. It’s the first time we’ve welcomed visiting steam locomotives onto our 15-inch gauge railway, and seeing five in steam at once will make for an incredibly exciting weekend.
“Having Mr. Hallworth here is especially meaningful. Tony was a huge part of the Cornish railway community and a personal friend and mentor to me. Bringing the locomotive named in his memory to Cornwall feels like a very special homecoming.”
Bookings are now open, with pre-booking recommended.
A full timetable and further visiting locomotive announcements will follow soon.