GAN’ CANNY GALA – THE SEASON FINALE

Say Goodbye to the Season and Tanfield300 in True North East Style!

Join us for the Gan’ Canny Gala on 18th & 19th October, the perfect send-off to Tanfield Railway’s main operating season and the conclusion of our Tanfield300 celebrations. Taking place this autumn, the event is a heartfelt nod to the famous North East phrase “Gan canny, man”, bidding farewell with a celebration of the region’s rich industrial heritage.

Event Highlights

Celebrate the legacy of the North East with:

• Five steam engines and three diesel locomotives in action.
• A mix of passenger and freight trains, running an intensive timetable throughout the event.
• Enjoy freight train shunting demonstrations by diesel locomotive Reyrolles No.2 in Marley Hill yard on Saturday at 12.10pm – 12.40pm and 1.45pm – 2pm, and on Sunday at 12.15pm – 1pm and 1.55pm – 2.10pm.
• A triple-header passenger train made up of No.2, Cochrane and Stanley will depart East Tanfield station at 4.35pm on Saturday.
• See a 10 waggon freight train hauled by No.49 on Saturday, departing East Tanfield station at 6.06pm. Similar will take place on Sunday departing from Andrews House station at 9.10am for East Tanfield station with the addition of Ribblesdale No.6 on the rear of the train.
• On Sunday, our larger locomotives, Twizell and No.49, will pair together on the demonstration freight train departing Andrews House station for Sunniside at 10.15am, then similarly on a passenger train at 3.20pm.
• The popular pairing of Cochrane and No.2 (otherwise known as ‘the unit’ by our crews) will depart Sunniside at 3.02pm for East Tanfield station on Sunday.
• On Sunday enjoy a special cavalcade of our five working steam engines departing East Tanfield station at 5.57pm.
• Shuttle passenger train services between East Tanfield station and Causey Arch station hauled by diesel locomotives TIC No.35 and Ribblesdale Cement No.6 on Saturday and Sunday. Travel on board Harton brake van A16 – first come, first serve.
• Enjoy a display of historic buses at Marley Hill events field courtesy of the North East Bus Preservation Trust. Shuttle services will take place between Marley Hill events field and East Tanfield station.
• We started our #Tanfield300 year with a Whistle Up on New Years’ Day, and see out our Gan’ Canny Gala by doing the same! Join Technology Tom on Sunday in Andrews House station waiting room and make a special whistle to take home.
• Enjoy traditional music from the Cloth Cappers at East Tanfield station on Saturday and Sunday from 11am to 2pm.
• Join our volunteer printer at Andrews House station waiting room and make a lino print of one of our locomotives.
• Step inside Marley Hill engine shed following recent interior white washing work, restoring it back to its 1930s/40s condition.
• Please note, steam locomotive Horden will not be in service during the event due to boiler issues.

Train Timetable

Click here to download Saturday’s train timetable

Click here to download Sunday’s train timetable

What Does Gan’ Canny Mean?

In Geordie dialect, “Gan’ Canny” means to take care or go gently—a fitting way to say goodbye to a remarkable season. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a longtime supporter, this gala promises a warm farewell steeped in local tradition.

Plan Your Visit

Event Dates: Saturday 18th & Sunday 19th October 2025.

Tickets & More Info: Tickets on sale now, save 10% vs on the day prices when you book online .