Full steam ahead for Lappa Valley’s biggest-ever gala

A tourist attraction near Newquay is preparing to host its biggest-ever heritage railway gala this weekend, including the "homecoming" of a special tribute locomotive.

Lappa Valley, near St Newlyn East, will host the event on Saturday and Sunday, marking a milestone in the attraction's history.

For the first time, visiting steam locomotives will run on its 15-inch gauge main railway, with a record five engines in steam at once across the weekend.

A major highlight will be the visit of Mr Hallworth, a locomotive from Perrygrove Railway Adventure in Gloucestershire. Named in memory of Tony Hallworth from Wadebridge, the engine honours a key figure in the heritage railway community and his work with volunteers across Cornwall. Its appearance is being described as a symbolic "homecoming".

Also visiting is Spirit of Adventure, the largest 15-inch gauge Exmoor-built tank engine ever constructed. The locomotive, significantly larger than Lappa Valley's own engines, features a cab large enough for the driver to stand inside.

The visiting engines will join Lappa Valley favourites Zebedee, Muffin, Ellie, City of Truro and Arthur for a packed programme of activity.

Planned highlights include double-headed trains, non-stop runs and the return of parallel running. The weekend will end with a grand finale featuring all available locomotives running together.

Additional services will also run on the Newlyn Downs Branch Line, while the Lakeside Railway will host visiting steam engines. A selection of miniature traction engines will also be on display.

Ben Harding, Operations Director at Lappa Valley, said: "This is a real milestone for us. It's the first time we've welcomed visiting steam locomotives onto our 15-inch gauge railway, and seeing five in steam at once will make for an incredibly exciting weekend.

"Having Mr Hallworth here is especially meaningful. Tony was a huge part of the Cornish railway community and a personal friend and mentor to me. Bringing the locomotive named in his memory to Cornwall feels like a very special homecoming."

Tickets remain available, although organisers are recommending booking in advance.