FAMILIES and rail enthusiasts from all over the country will gather for a celebration of steam railways at the Swindon Railway Festival on September 13 and 14.

Live steam from Hatch Heritage & Steam Engineers and the evocative sound of the steam whistle will welcome each day of this annual weekend festival held at STEAM – Museum of the Great Western Railway.

Sponsored by Hornby Magazine, this year’s festival is set to wow visitors with a massive display of model railway layouts, demonstrations and railway trade stands that will fill the Swindon Council-owned museum.

And to mark the World War One Centenary, the Festival includes STEAM’s new exhibition, A Railway at War – exploring the role of the GWR and its employees during WW1.

Among the special guests and attractions at the weekend festival will be top music producer, author and keen railway enthusiast, Pete Waterman. He will have his own stand at the show, exhibiting his popular Just Like the Real Thing models and visitors can catch Pete for book signings.

Pete says he hasn’t missed a single one of the Swindon Railway Festivals – now in their 13th year.

“This year’s Swindon Railway Festival is especially important to me as it gives both visitors and exhibitors the chance to have a lot of fun celebrating our railways, past and present; while on a more serious note – to explore the importance of the railways during wartime,” said Pete.

The Swindon Railway Festival is renowned for being home to some of the finest model railway layouts in the country – and this year’s festival features over 20 layouts – many being shown for the first time. The special guest layout is the acclaimed 00 gauge Gresley Beat.

Swindon Council leader David Renard said: “The Swindon Railway Festival is a fantastic day out for all the family and is one of the highlights of the year at STEAM. The model railway layouts at the show are incredibly intricate and a joy for enthusiasts of all ages.”

Children will be encouraged to take the controls of the engines running on the Thomas the Tank track as well as being invited to climb aboard the iconic No. 4073 Caerphilly Castle and No. 4003 Lode Star. They will also get a special GWR certificate when they change the points in STEAM’s authentic Signal Box.

For the more serious enthusiasts, there will be inspiring demonstrations by expert modellers running throughout the weekend.

“First time modellers can find out how to get started, with the chance to talk to experts and other railway fans for useful modelling tips and advice,” said Carolyn Lovett, Events Manager at STEAM.

A wide range of railway trade stands will be displayed throughout the museum selling items ranging from model railway kits and accessories, to railway art, books and memorabilia. Heritage railway organisations across the UK will also be showcasing their attractions.

Outside the museum will be a lively scene with steam traction engines from Swindon’s Hatch Heritage & Steam Engineers. There will also be a Real Ale Bar, courtesy of Box Steam Brewery and a country barbecue on both festival days. STEAM’s own Platform Café will be serving hot meals and refreshments too.

Commemorating the centenary of the First World War, STEAM assistant curators, Elaine Arthurs and Felicity Jones have published a new pictorial book, Wartime GWR and visitors will be able to buy a copy at the Festival and get it signed by the authors.

The festival opens next Saturday and Sunday from 10am until 5pm.

More details can be had from the STEAM website at: www.steam-museum.or.uk or call the museum on 01793 466646.