Held in partnership with Leicester Transport Heritage Centre, experience a variety of heritage and modern buses and coaches running free trips from the site on a variety of routes. We expect to host up to 50 buses each day, with preserved buses and coaches built between 1930 and 2010, plus a few brand-new vehicles from current nearby operators parked in the station yard. There will also be trade stalls selling souvenirs, models and bus ephemera in the marquee. It's one of the Midland's biggest bus rally's! Each day there will be a number of free bus services, giving you many opportunities to ride on different buses and to interchange with steam and diesel trains on the railway. There is no entry charge for this event and all bus rides are free. Train tickets are available at normal fares. If you don't wish to buy an all-day ticket on the railway, short-hop tickets are available on the day so you can travel by bus one way and by train the other, on certain journeys. More information available on the website soon or at the stations when you visit. Please support the event by buying a programme on the day. There'll also be a selection of vintage steam and diesel trains running all day so come along and explore the station, take a nostalgic train ride. Refreshments will be available from Butler Henderson Cafe in the yard, the atmospheric 1940's NAAFI style tea bar on the station platform, the Tin Shed bar next to the marquee and a food van from Woodhouse Farm. Alternative facilities at other Great Central stations and on certain trains. For more information including timetables and tickets visit our website @gcrailway.co.uk

This immersive event begins at the historic Goods Shed in Quorn, where you'll receive a warm welcome and safety briefing from an GCR guide. Discover the crucial role railways played in transporting freight and learn about the GCR wagon fleet, and the iconic goods shed. The adventure continues with a ride in the Brake Van offering a unique perspective of the railway and where your host will provide insights about the railway. Upon arrival in Leicester, you'll have the opportunity to explore the wagons and loco before returning to Quorn. With limited places available on selected Sunday mornings and afternoons throughout 2025, don't miss out on a freight-fully good day of history and exploration!

Fox & Edwards Events will be joined by Bluey™ at the Great Central Railway bringing lots of fun and excitement. There will be steam train trips, the chance to see Bluey at intervals, and more. Our vintage steam train will be waiting to welcome you for a journey of approximately 70 minutes. This relaxed journey is approximately sixteen miles in total with two short pauses at Leicester North and Loughborough Central stations in the middle of the trip. Every child and infant will receive a Bluey book, gingerbread train biscuit, railway activity sheet and juice carton, too! When we return, Bluey will be waiting for friendly waves and to see fans like you. Don't forget to bring your camera to get some snaps! Journey Times: Trains depart at 10:00, 11:15, 12:45 and 14:00. Please arrive between 20 and 30 minutes before your booked train departure. We expect your total time on-site to be approximately 90 minutes.

Join us for a memorable journey back to 1945 during our 1940s Weekend, from May 31 to June 1, 2025. This year, we mark the 80th anniversary of a pivotal moment in history as Britain emerged from the shadows of war into a brighter future. Celebrate the resilience and spirit of the era that shaped modern Britain! Experience the past come alive and travel through time at the UK's only double-track, main line heritage railway. Spanning 8 miles between Loughborough, Quorn, Rothley, and Leicester North, our stations transform into vibrant hubs of 1940s life. Witness the bustling activity of railway stations and dance halls, feel the changing social dynamics with the evolving role of women in the workforce, and explore how the railway was instrumental in the nation's recovery post-war. Our 1940s Weekend is more than just a glimpse into the past—it's an interactive exploration. Dive into historical re-enactments that bring to life the easing of rationing, the surprising electoral defeat of Churchill, and the deep impacts of the war on local communities. With engaging exhibits and lively performances, every corner of Great Central Railway will tell a story. Don't Miss This Unique Journey Through History and get ready for an unforgettable weekend at the Great Central Railway where you can step aboard and travel back to one of the most significant times in British history. Enjoy the sights, sounds, and stories of life on the home front whilst celebrating the enduring spirit of post-war Britain at our 1940s Weekend.