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[[File:GER_564_20170922.jpg|thumb|300px|right|2017 Autumn Steam Gala guest GER 564 at Arley]]For many enthusiasts, the '''Autumn Steam Gala''' is the highlight of the SVR year, involving overnight running and having the presence of visiting locomotives.
The first Autumn Steam Galas were referred to as "Enthusiasts' Days" or "Enthusiasts' Weekends"; these normally featured home locomotives only. In the 1980s, visiting locomotives began to appear and have done so for each year the Gala has run since 1990. The event also extended in duration and until 2022 typically ran runs over 4 four days Thursday to Sunday inclusive, with overnight running on the Friday and Saturday nights. Other common features include demonstration freight trains and shorter local, part-line services. One popular operation in previous years has been was the running of a "Breakfast train" using the [[Severn Valley Venturer]] stock.
From time to time visiting locomotives are utilised for regular passenger services in the days after the gala. They are also often sometimes used for private photographic charters.
==Notable events==
*'''2021''' First announced as a fixed itinerary 'excursion' service under COVID-19 restrictions, it reverted to a more traditional operation with passengers able to choose their itineraries. The Railway, however, continued to offer a small number of private bookable compartments, where passengers were guaranteed exclusive use of a compartment on a single train throughout the day. To assist with social distancing, the number of tickets available each day was limited.
*'''2022''' There was evening, but not overnight, running. The reason given was to conserve coal supplies.
*'''2023''' Advertised as a four day event (Thursday Preview Day plus Friday to Sunday) , with the return of overnight running on the Friday and Saturday night.
==Passenger numbers==
