A DOZEN locomotives are on track to be the star attraction at a Severn Valley Railway event later this month.

The Spring Diesel Festival will be held on May 17-19 and will see heritage and modern diesel locomotives of all sizes from across the country on display.

Among those on show will be three Class 20 engines dating from the 50s and 60s and a Class 88 locomotive, unveiled in 2016.

Visitors can also see the rare spectacle of two ‘Warship’ diesels in action – No. D832 Onslaught and No. D821 Greyhound, which is returning to service after many years.

Members of the SVR’s resident fleet will be in operation alongside the visitors, running an intensive timetable into the evenings, and the award-winning Kidderminster Diesel Depot will be open to visitors on Saturday and Sunday.

A selection of the visiting diesel locomotives will also be running alongside the SVR’s steam engines for Mixed Traction Day, which follows on May 20th.

The Engine House Visitor Centre at Highley will host the all-new Thursday Social from 7pm on the 17th - an evening of music, food and drink.

One Tree Canyon will provide live music, Beamans of Bridgnorth will be selling hot pork rolls and the SVR’s Hobsons Real Ale Bar will be serving throughout the evening.

Entry is free with a Spring Diesel Festival Thursday Rover ticket, including journey to and from Highley. Alternatively, a special return fare from Kidderminster or Bridgnorth to Highley is available.

SVR Event Co-ordinator, Lewis Maddox said: “The biggest diesel celebration around, this year’s Festival promises to be a must-see event for the diesel fan, as well as a great day out, with lots to do and see along the line.

“Our Thursday Social promises to be a great way for people to get together and enjoy the atmosphere with some delicious, locally-produced food and drink.”

Hot on the heels of the Diesel Festival will be the Goods Gala on June 2 and 3, featuring the 100th birthday celebrations of SVR resident locomotive No. 2857.

Visitors can see two goods trains in operation alongside passenger services, parcel loading and unloading and display of vintage commercial road vehicles as well as visits of Bewdley Yard and more.

For more information on the Spring Diesel Gala, the Goods Gala and all the SVR’s events, see www.svr.co.uk/specialevents or call 01562 757900.