First day of 2026 - Gala report - The Bluebell Railway in Sussex

1 January 2026 – Our New Year’s Day steam up

Featuring 34059 ‘Sir Archibald Sinclair’, 72 ‘Fenchurch’, 73082 ‘Camelot’ and 6989 ‘Wightwick Hall’

It was so fantastic to see good weather and crowds of visitors, which made for a busy day at the Railway today. The highlights of the day were ‘Fenchurch’ hauling the LNWR Observation Car (which nearly looks like an LBSCR Baloon Auto-trailer) and ‘Camelot’ with a great loose-coupled rake of restored vintage goods wagons.

We would like to extend a huge thank you to everyone who joined us to help make it such a memorable start to the year. It has been wonderful to see so many visitors across the railway enjoying the atmosphere and spectacle of steam.

72 'Fenchurch' leaves Kingscote with the 2.35 from East Grinstead. 73082 has just arrived with the goods. 1 January 2026 (Nick Gilliam)

73082 'Camelot' approaches Kingscote with the 2.05 goods from Sheffield Park on 1 January 2026 (Nick Gilliam)

Bulleid Battle of Britain Pacific 34059 'Sir Archibald Sinclair', emerges from Sharpthorne Tunnel - 1 January 2026 (James Green)

There are already a few videos of today’s event on YouTube:

Sharpthorne Steam

Daniel's Trains UK Official

Please note that, following today’s event, all stations across the railway will now be closed. The railway will reopen for normal service trains during the February half-term (14-22 February), and we look forward to welcoming you back then.

We would also like to remind visitors that Bluebell Gifts & Models at Sheffield Park will reopen on 20th January.

Thank you once again for your support. We look forward to seeing you again very soon!