The Friends of Stockton & Darlington Railway (FSDR) have put together a magnificent festival that has something for everyone, not just those interested in railway enthusiasts, but who knows, you may come away being much more hooked on steam than you every thought possible!
Following the SDR200 festival last year the FSDR are marking the 201st year since the worlds first passenger railway at Heighington saw Locomotion No1 carry its precious cargo with a fabulous festival right here where it all started at Heighington Station, Newton Aycliffe.
The wonderful volunteers and corporate sponsors have been working hard over the last year from taking possession of the derelict building to strip out the old 1980’s interior, make it safe and working with architects to develop a plan for bringing the site back to its former glory. For the first time we will be able to open the building up to the public. We will have ‘hard hat’ guided tours and displays with our ambitious plans for you to see and comment on.
Outside we have cleared the grounds and have a wide range of festivities for your delight. We will have live music from local artists, the fabulous North Riding band and hugely talented Sam Slatcher. There are food & refreshment vendors supporting the event from the nearby Steam Machine Brewery, Weird Dough Pizza, Auckland Cupcake Company and Barista Sistas.
There is a Miniature Railway with rides for children, a Steam Engine, Fairground Organ, Little Loco Children’s corner and lots of other games and activities, including Tees Cottage demonstration on forging skills.
So come along, join us in celebrating our unique heritage and get involved in keeping the ‘railway that got the world on track’ alive. Or get hands on and be one of or volunteers supporting the event.
Please follow us on Facebook at saveheighingtonstation or friendsofstocktonanddarlingtonrailway or our website Stockton & Darlington Railway Heritage Festival 2026 – Friends Of The Stockton & Darlington Railway or contact: secretary@sdr1825.org.uk