Kent & East Sussex Railway Announces 'Southern Through the Ages' Gala for November 2026
A Celebration of Southern Railway Heritage and Last Chance to see Terrier 'Knowle' Before Her Overhaul
(Copyright text and images KESR/Alison Miles, reproduced with kind permission)
The Kent & East Sussex Railway (K&ESR) has announced a special addition to its Autumn programme. The 'Southern Through the Ages' Gala will take place on Saturday 7th and Sunday 8th November 2026.
This exciting two-day event will showcase the rich history and development of Southern railway motive power, bringing together a varied fleet to operate an intensive timetable of passenger, freight and mixed train services along the picturesque heritage line.
The gala will also serve as a special occasion for enthusiasts and visitors alike to experience the historic Terrier No. 2678 'Knowle' in action before her temporary withdrawal from service pending a major overhaul.
Confirmed participants for the weekend currently include:
- A1X Terrier No. 2678 'Knowle'
- Class 205 DEMU No. 1118
- Austerity 0-6-0ST No. 68032
Further announcements will be made in the coming weeks, with the organisers promising additional locomotives for the line-up, representing different eras of Southern railway history.
Derrick Bilsby, Chairman of the Kent & East Sussex Railway, said:
"Our 'Southern Through the Ages' Gala will celebrate the remarkable heritage of the Southern Railway and the generations of locomotives and rolling stock that have served that network over the years. It will also be a particularly poignant occasion to say a temporary farewell to our much-loved Terrier locomotive, No. 2678 'Knowle', before she undergoes overhaul. We look forward to welcoming enthusiasts, supporters and families for what promises to be a memorable event."
Gala co-ordinator George Harman said:
"As our first major Gala since the award-winning 'Dwarves of Steam' and the Diesel Gala in 2025 this will be a chance to celebrate the rich history of this remarkable line and a fitting way to give Knowle a good send off for her upcoming overhaul. There's lots more news to come and we can't wait to reveal the identities of the next locomotives to join the party!"
Visitors can look forward to an intensive programme of train services, photographic opportunities and the chance to experience a range of historic railway operations over the weekend.
Additional details, including locomotives, timetables and ticket information, will be announced in due course.
For the latest updates, visit www.kesr.org.uk and follow the Kent & East Sussex Railway's social media channels.
Further Information
About the Kent & East Sussex Railway: The Kent & East Sussex Railway is a renowned and award-winning heritage railway based in Tenterden, Kent, UK, operating as an educational charity.
Built by Holman F Stephens, it was the first light passenger railway in Britain in the early 20th century and is today one of Britain's most loved and original heritage lines. With a rich history spanning over 120 years, the K&ESR offers visitors an authentic steam and diesel-powered railway experience through 10½ miles of Wealden countryside in the beautiful Rother Valley, a designated National Landscape (formerly known as Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty). Staffed almost entirely by volunteers, the railway prides itself on preserving railway heritage, operating a diverse range of locomotives, and providing a unique glimpse into the golden age of rail travel.
A regular award winner, the K&ESR gained a coveted Trip Advisor Travellers Choice Awards in both 2024 and 2025, placing it among the top 10% of listings of places to visit around the world on Tripadvisor according to verified visitor reviews. It was also voted Best Family Experience in Kent by the public in both the 2025 and 2026 Muddy Stilettos Awards. The Dwarves of Steam Gala in 2025 took Gold as Event of the Year in the 2025 Beautiful South Tourism Awards, with the Wealden Pullman collecting a Bronze Award in the Restaurant of the Year category.
