Autumn Steam Gala
For many enthusiasts, this is the highlight of the SVR year involving operating around the clock for the whole weekend and having the presence of guest engines. One popular operation is the running of a "Breakfast train" using the Severn Valley Venturer stock.
In September 2016 the 'Pacific Power' event replaced the traditional Autumn Steam Gala, featuring visiting locomotives LNER Gresley A3 Pacific No. 60103 'Flying Scotsman' and LNER Peppercorn A1 Pacific No. 60163 'Tornado'.
The return of the flagship Autumn Steam Gala is advertised for 2017, with all-night running, array of visiting locomotives and intensive timetable.[1]
Passenger numbers
From time-to-time the SVR publishes the number of Gala passengers, according to the method of counting these which has varied over time (for example, since 2010 documents sent to shareholders became valid as a ticket which did not need to be exchanged for travel.)[2]. The following is an incomplete record of numbers recorded.
| Year | Number of passengers | Reference | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | 7,300 | [3] | Over the Preview day and three days of Gala |
| 2014 | 5,901 | [4] | |
| 2013 | 6,030 | [4] | |
| 2012 | 6,318 | [4] | |
| 2011 | 6,500 | [4] | |
| 2010 | 5.775 | [4] | |
| 2009 | 5,511 | [4] |