| Greatest Gathering 200th celebration - Alstom, Derby, 1 - 3 August 2025 Posted by ChrisB at 20:44, 26th September 2024 |     |
from Railway200 press release
Excitement builds for railway’s 200th anniversary in 2025
- Railway 200 celebrations on track, as Rail Minister heralds ‘exciting opportunity’
- International festival programme unveiled, inspired by journey that changed the world
- National rail sale, largest assembly of trains and rail exhibits, UK locomotive ‘whistle-off’, and much more!
With just over 100 days to go until the start of a year-long celebration of 200 years of the modern railway in 2025, plans are being finalised to mark this historic milestone and explore rail’s past, present and future role in national life.
At an event in Darlington today (19 September) Jake Kelly, Managing Director of Network Rail Eastern, encouraged organisations and communities to embrace Railway 200, a once-in-a-generation opportunity to celebrate the railway’s far-reaching impact on how we live our lives and how it’s shaping a more sustainable future.
Today’s event announced the programme for a nine-month international festival across County Durham and Tees Valley from March to November next year, as part of Railway 200. Inspired by the opening of the Stockton and Darlington Railway (S&DR) on 27 September 1825 – a journey that gave birth to the modern railway – S&DR200 will present a series of free large-scale outdoor spectacles, events, exhibitions and new art commissions at world class venues.
Railway 200 is a partner-led programme of activities and events across the UK, supported by the rail industry, the UK Government, Transport Scotland, Transport for Wales, the Northern Ireland Executive, rail and business bodies, civic and community groups and a wide range of other partners, including Visit Britain and the Museums Association.
Rail Minister Lord Hendy said: “Since the first passenger train entered service almost two hundred years ago, our railways have become integral to millions of lives, bringing communities closer together, opening up new opportunities for business and driving economic growth across the country.
“Railway 200 presents an exciting opportunity to unite the wider public in recognition of our rail network and the brilliant people who keep it running. I hope this year-long series of events and celebration encourages the next generation to consider a career in rail.”
The 200th anniversary will kick-off with an evocative ‘Whistle-Off’ of vintage locomotives at 12 noon on 1 January 2025 at sites across the UK, spearheaded by the Heritage Railway Association.
There will also be a national Railway 200 seat sale in early 2025, offering heavily discounted train travel for great days out, as announced this month by the Secretary of State for Transport.
Over three fun-filled days in August, train builder Alstom will host ‘The Greatest Gathering’ at its historic Litchurch Lane Works in Derby, showcasing the largest temporary assembly of trains and rail-related exhibits in a generation.
Other highlights include planning a touring exhibition train, named ‘Inspiration’, to criss-cross Britain, creating a buzz at mainline stations, heritage railways and rail freight depots. The train is being developed in partnership with the National Railway Museum, part of the Science Museum Group.
It will consist of different interactive exhibitions exploring the past, present and future of rail. As well as celebrating the anniversary, the train aims to inspire schoolchildren and others to consider a career in the rail, shining a spotlight on the diversity of roles available for people from all backgrounds. It has been supported by a £250,000 grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund.
Up to 400,000 people, including school groups and families, are expected to visit the train. Its itinerary is being developed and will be confirmed early next year.
Elsewhere, other plans include:
- the National Railway Museum’s 50th birthday celebrations, including the summer re-opening of its refurbished and refreshed Station Hall, home to the Royal carriages – plus the Railway 200-themed Young Railway Photographer of the Year competition, now open for entries
- Railway 200-related activity, including a summer festival, at Locomotion museum in Shildon, on the route of the original Stockton and Darlington Railway
- the launch of a Railway 200 merchandise range for early next year, developed in partnership with the National Railway Museum
-a competition to choose the UK’s favourite rail art, with Art UK
-a steam gala event in January by the Severn Valley Railway, attended by the largest gathering of representatives from heritage railways across the UK
-a Railway 200-themed Community Rail Week in May, from the Community Rail Network
-a Spring Steam Spectacular in early May on the West Somerset Railway
- a rail festival in Sussex from June to August, organised by the Bluebell Railway, which aims to attract more than 80,000 people, including 18,000 schoolchildren learning about STEM-related careers in the railway
- during July to September, the Keighley & Worth Valley Railway, near Bradford (UK City of Culture in 2025), will host the Olivier award-winning theatre production of The Railway Children. It will be staged in the location where the classic film was shot. The production includes a steam train journey for the audience
- the Watercress Line in Hampshire is working with over 200 individuals and community groups to create a giant textile timeline of train travel, and inviting poets and other wordsmiths to submit work inspired by rail’s 200th anniversary
the Southeast Communities Rail Partnership will be producing 200 ‘blue plaques’ to celebrate 200 people connected to its railway lines
- community events from Swanage Railway in Dorset to coincide with its 140th birthday
-a celebration, in July, of the Heart of Wales Line by the Heart of Wales Community Rail Partnership
- August Bank Holiday show at the Isle of Wight Steam Railway
- BCIMO, a national innovation centre in Dudley, will be hosting a family day in May
- the Heart of England Community Rail Partnership will be working with local artists and schools to produce a celebratory banner
- the Scouts and Guides will create a special Railway 200 badge for worldwide use
- museums will host a range of bicentenary-focused activities
- The North Yorkshire Moors Railway will launch a new 200 Trail, packed with activities
- a celebration and awards ceremony in London in July to coincide with the 150th anniversary of the Railway Industry Association, representing rail’s supply chain
- commemorative events at: the National Trust cottage in Wylam, Northumberland, where rail pioneer George Stephenson was born; Holy Trinity Church, Chesterfield, where he is buried; and Stephenson College, Durham University, where he is honoured.
These, and other events across the UK, are being publicised on a new interactive map. Other activities include anniversary-related train namings, open days, heritage trails, rail staff and public events, commemorative books, exhibitions, competitions, school and public talks, steam shows, site visits, murals, quizzes and charity fundraising.
As part of Railway 200, rail academics and historians across the UK have come together to lend their expertise in helping to tell rail’s story, of how it transformed our economic, environmental, cultural and social landscape, and continues to do so. The nation is being encouraged to share rail stories and memories too.
Other plans being finalised include some with global profile and activities abroad, working with UNESCO, the British Council, Google, international rail retailers, overseas rail companies and other international organisations.
Speaking on behalf of Railway 200, Jake Kelly, Managing Director of Network Rail Eastern, said: “Railway 200’s ambitious programme not only embraces the railway’s historic roots, but also looks to future innovations and how the industry adapts to modern-day challenges to get people and goods to where they need to be.
“Whether you are a frequent traveller, simply live by the railway, or are an engineer of the future, all are invited to take part in this huge programme of events, to celebrate the 200th anniversary of an invention born in the North East which has gone on to transform communities across the globe.”
Niccy Hallifax, S&DR200 Festival Director, added: “We are thrilled that Railway 200 is taking as its inspiration the opening of the Stockton and Darlington Railway in 1825. This event changed history. We cannot wait to welcome visitors from all over the world to the S&DR200 Festival in the public spaces and new world-class visitor attractions of County Durham and Tees Valley. It will celebrate our pioneering industrial past and imagine what the possibilities are for the future with partners, communities, and participating artists. We are proud to be part of an exciting programme of Railway 200 events.”
The Railway 200 logo is freely available to download for non-commercial purposes as part of a new toolkit, packed with useful materials, to support partners.
For information about S&DR200: www.sdr200.co.uk
- Railway 200 celebrations on track, as Rail Minister heralds ‘exciting opportunity’
- International festival programme unveiled, inspired by journey that changed the world
- National rail sale, largest assembly of trains and rail exhibits, UK locomotive ‘whistle-off’, and much more!
With just over 100 days to go until the start of a year-long celebration of 200 years of the modern railway in 2025, plans are being finalised to mark this historic milestone and explore rail’s past, present and future role in national life.
At an event in Darlington today (19 September) Jake Kelly, Managing Director of Network Rail Eastern, encouraged organisations and communities to embrace Railway 200, a once-in-a-generation opportunity to celebrate the railway’s far-reaching impact on how we live our lives and how it’s shaping a more sustainable future.
Today’s event announced the programme for a nine-month international festival across County Durham and Tees Valley from March to November next year, as part of Railway 200. Inspired by the opening of the Stockton and Darlington Railway (S&DR) on 27 September 1825 – a journey that gave birth to the modern railway – S&DR200 will present a series of free large-scale outdoor spectacles, events, exhibitions and new art commissions at world class venues.
Railway 200 is a partner-led programme of activities and events across the UK, supported by the rail industry, the UK Government, Transport Scotland, Transport for Wales, the Northern Ireland Executive, rail and business bodies, civic and community groups and a wide range of other partners, including Visit Britain and the Museums Association.
Rail Minister Lord Hendy said: “Since the first passenger train entered service almost two hundred years ago, our railways have become integral to millions of lives, bringing communities closer together, opening up new opportunities for business and driving economic growth across the country.
“Railway 200 presents an exciting opportunity to unite the wider public in recognition of our rail network and the brilliant people who keep it running. I hope this year-long series of events and celebration encourages the next generation to consider a career in rail.”
The 200th anniversary will kick-off with an evocative ‘Whistle-Off’ of vintage locomotives at 12 noon on 1 January 2025 at sites across the UK, spearheaded by the Heritage Railway Association.
There will also be a national Railway 200 seat sale in early 2025, offering heavily discounted train travel for great days out, as announced this month by the Secretary of State for Transport.
Over three fun-filled days in August, train builder Alstom will host ‘The Greatest Gathering’ at its historic Litchurch Lane Works in Derby, showcasing the largest temporary assembly of trains and rail-related exhibits in a generation.
Other highlights include planning a touring exhibition train, named ‘Inspiration’, to criss-cross Britain, creating a buzz at mainline stations, heritage railways and rail freight depots. The train is being developed in partnership with the National Railway Museum, part of the Science Museum Group.
It will consist of different interactive exhibitions exploring the past, present and future of rail. As well as celebrating the anniversary, the train aims to inspire schoolchildren and others to consider a career in the rail, shining a spotlight on the diversity of roles available for people from all backgrounds. It has been supported by a £250,000 grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund.
Up to 400,000 people, including school groups and families, are expected to visit the train. Its itinerary is being developed and will be confirmed early next year.
Elsewhere, other plans include:
- the National Railway Museum’s 50th birthday celebrations, including the summer re-opening of its refurbished and refreshed Station Hall, home to the Royal carriages – plus the Railway 200-themed Young Railway Photographer of the Year competition, now open for entries
- Railway 200-related activity, including a summer festival, at Locomotion museum in Shildon, on the route of the original Stockton and Darlington Railway
- the launch of a Railway 200 merchandise range for early next year, developed in partnership with the National Railway Museum
-a competition to choose the UK’s favourite rail art, with Art UK
-a steam gala event in January by the Severn Valley Railway, attended by the largest gathering of representatives from heritage railways across the UK
-a Railway 200-themed Community Rail Week in May, from the Community Rail Network
-a Spring Steam Spectacular in early May on the West Somerset Railway
- a rail festival in Sussex from June to August, organised by the Bluebell Railway, which aims to attract more than 80,000 people, including 18,000 schoolchildren learning about STEM-related careers in the railway
- during July to September, the Keighley & Worth Valley Railway, near Bradford (UK City of Culture in 2025), will host the Olivier award-winning theatre production of The Railway Children. It will be staged in the location where the classic film was shot. The production includes a steam train journey for the audience
- the Watercress Line in Hampshire is working with over 200 individuals and community groups to create a giant textile timeline of train travel, and inviting poets and other wordsmiths to submit work inspired by rail’s 200th anniversary
the Southeast Communities Rail Partnership will be producing 200 ‘blue plaques’ to celebrate 200 people connected to its railway lines
- community events from Swanage Railway in Dorset to coincide with its 140th birthday
-a celebration, in July, of the Heart of Wales Line by the Heart of Wales Community Rail Partnership
- August Bank Holiday show at the Isle of Wight Steam Railway
- BCIMO, a national innovation centre in Dudley, will be hosting a family day in May
- the Heart of England Community Rail Partnership will be working with local artists and schools to produce a celebratory banner
- the Scouts and Guides will create a special Railway 200 badge for worldwide use
- museums will host a range of bicentenary-focused activities
- The North Yorkshire Moors Railway will launch a new 200 Trail, packed with activities
- a celebration and awards ceremony in London in July to coincide with the 150th anniversary of the Railway Industry Association, representing rail’s supply chain
- commemorative events at: the National Trust cottage in Wylam, Northumberland, where rail pioneer George Stephenson was born; Holy Trinity Church, Chesterfield, where he is buried; and Stephenson College, Durham University, where he is honoured.
These, and other events across the UK, are being publicised on a new interactive map. Other activities include anniversary-related train namings, open days, heritage trails, rail staff and public events, commemorative books, exhibitions, competitions, school and public talks, steam shows, site visits, murals, quizzes and charity fundraising.
As part of Railway 200, rail academics and historians across the UK have come together to lend their expertise in helping to tell rail’s story, of how it transformed our economic, environmental, cultural and social landscape, and continues to do so. The nation is being encouraged to share rail stories and memories too.
Other plans being finalised include some with global profile and activities abroad, working with UNESCO, the British Council, Google, international rail retailers, overseas rail companies and other international organisations.
Speaking on behalf of Railway 200, Jake Kelly, Managing Director of Network Rail Eastern, said: “Railway 200’s ambitious programme not only embraces the railway’s historic roots, but also looks to future innovations and how the industry adapts to modern-day challenges to get people and goods to where they need to be.
“Whether you are a frequent traveller, simply live by the railway, or are an engineer of the future, all are invited to take part in this huge programme of events, to celebrate the 200th anniversary of an invention born in the North East which has gone on to transform communities across the globe.”
Niccy Hallifax, S&DR200 Festival Director, added: “We are thrilled that Railway 200 is taking as its inspiration the opening of the Stockton and Darlington Railway in 1825. This event changed history. We cannot wait to welcome visitors from all over the world to the S&DR200 Festival in the public spaces and new world-class visitor attractions of County Durham and Tees Valley. It will celebrate our pioneering industrial past and imagine what the possibilities are for the future with partners, communities, and participating artists. We are proud to be part of an exciting programme of Railway 200 events.”
The Railway 200 logo is freely available to download for non-commercial purposes as part of a new toolkit, packed with useful materials, to support partners.
For information about S&DR200: www.sdr200.co.uk
| Re: Greatest Gathering 200th celebration - Alstom, Derby, 1 - 3 August 2025 Posted by Electric train at 06:51, 27th September 2024 | |
An I've worked on the railways for a quarter of those 200 years .............. makes me feel old
| Re: Greatest Gathering 200th celebration - Alstom, Derby, 1 - 3 August 2025 Posted by anthony215 at 13:59, 27th September 2024 | |
Alstom supposed to be cooking up a. Ig open weekend at Derby
| Re: Greatest Gathering 200th celebration - Alstom, Derby, 1 - 3 August 2025 Posted by ChrisB at 15:39, 27th September 2024 | |
There's an events listing/map on the Railway200 website - beginning of August for that -
https://railway200.co.uk/activity/alstom-presents-the-greatest-gathering/
| Re: Greatest Gathering 200th celebration - Alstom, Derby, 1 - 3 August 2025 Posted by grahame at 11:02, 5th January 2025 | |
From the Community Rail Network as part of Railway 200
The Greatest Gathering (Friday 1 – Sunday 3 August 2025)
Alstom’s Derby Litchurch Lane Works to host the largest temporary gathering of rolling stock and railway-related items in a generation
Alstom’s Derby Litchurch Lane Works to host the largest temporary gathering of rolling stock and railway-related items in a generation
| Re: Greatest Gathering 200th celebration - Alstom, Derby, 1 - 3 August 2025 Posted by JayMac at 16:36, 31st January 2025 | |
The Greatest Gathering, Friday 1st - Sunday 3rd August 2025
Alstom's Litchurch Lane Works, Derby.
As part of this year’s Railway 200 celebrations, Alstom’s historic Derby Litchurch Lane Works will be front and centre, as it hosts the largest temporary gathering of trains and rail-related exhibits in a generation.
This three-day festival will feature more than 50 iconic vehicles from the past, present and future of the railways, and marks the first time in over 50 years that the train factory has been open to the general public.
Derby Litchurch Lane is one of the world’s largest rolling stock factories, and the only UK facility that designs, engineers, builds and tests trains for domestic and export markets. The factory was opened by the Midland Railway in 1876 and the city of Derby has been building trains continually since 1839. In 2022, Derby was chosen by the Government as the home of Great British Railways following a vote by the public between contender cities.
https://www.alstom.com/greatest-gatheringThis three-day festival will feature more than 50 iconic vehicles from the past, present and future of the railways, and marks the first time in over 50 years that the train factory has been open to the general public.
Derby Litchurch Lane is one of the world’s largest rolling stock factories, and the only UK facility that designs, engineers, builds and tests trains for domestic and export markets. The factory was opened by the Midland Railway in 1876 and the city of Derby has been building trains continually since 1839. In 2022, Derby was chosen by the Government as the home of Great British Railways following a vote by the public between contender cities.
Tickets went on sale today but the sale has been suspended for the time being due to heavy traffic. Ticket sales will resume next week (from 3rd Feb 2025). Keep an eye on the link above.
| Re: Greatest Gathering 200th celebration - Alstom, Derby, 1 - 3 August 2025 Posted by ChrisB at 16:39, 31st January 2025 | |
Huh? The presumably heavy traffic will simply reappear at the new on sale date....
| Re: Greatest Gathering 200th celebration - Alstom, Derby, 1 - 3 August 2025 Posted by grahame at 13:54, 3rd February 2025 | |
https://www.alstom.com/greatest-gathering
As part of this year’s Railway 200 celebrations, Alstom’s historic Derby Litchurch Lane Works will be front and centre, as it hosts the largest temporary gathering of trains and rail-related exhibits in a generation – The Greatest Gathering – between Friday 1 and Sunday 3 August.
After yesterday’s fantastic announcement regarding The Greatest Gathering happening at our Derby site in August, our ticketing provider’s site struggled to cope with unprecedented demand from around the world.
Even with a queuing system in place from mid-morning, this was not enough – and it will take time to secure additional capacity.
With that in mind, we have made the decision to suspend ticket sales until we are confident that our provider’s servers can handle the expected web traffic.
Rest assured, there are still thousands of tickets available across the three days and those who have already received a booking confirmation will receive their e-tickets in due course.
Details of when tickets will return to sale will be promoted on this website and on our social media channels.
Even with a queuing system in place from mid-morning, this was not enough – and it will take time to secure additional capacity.
With that in mind, we have made the decision to suspend ticket sales until we are confident that our provider’s servers can handle the expected web traffic.
Rest assured, there are still thousands of tickets available across the three days and those who have already received a booking confirmation will receive their e-tickets in due course.
Details of when tickets will return to sale will be promoted on this website and on our social media channels.
| Re: Greatest Gathering 200th celebration - Alstom, Derby, 1 - 3 August 2025 Posted by GBM at 12:33, 4th February 2025 | |
https://www.alstom.com/greatest-gathering
Should have gone to wellhouse for a reliable build and service! As part of this year’s Railway 200 celebrations, Alstom’s historic Derby Litchurch Lane Works will be front and centre, as it hosts the largest temporary gathering of trains and rail-related exhibits in a generation – The Greatest Gathering – between Friday 1 and Sunday 3 August.
After yesterday’s fantastic announcement regarding The Greatest Gathering happening at our Derby site in August, our ticketing provider’s site struggled to cope with unprecedented demand from around the world.
Even with a queuing system in place from mid-morning, this was not enough – and it will take time to secure additional capacity.
With that in mind, we have made the decision to suspend ticket sales until we are confident that our provider’s servers can handle the expected web traffic.
Rest assured, there are still thousands of tickets available across the three days and those who have already received a booking confirmation will receive their e-tickets in due course.
Details of when tickets will return to sale will be promoted on this website and on our social media channels.
Even with a queuing system in place from mid-morning, this was not enough – and it will take time to secure additional capacity.
With that in mind, we have made the decision to suspend ticket sales until we are confident that our provider’s servers can handle the expected web traffic.
Rest assured, there are still thousands of tickets available across the three days and those who have already received a booking confirmation will receive their e-tickets in due course.
Details of when tickets will return to sale will be promoted on this website and on our social media channels.
| Re: Greatest Gathering 200th celebration - Alstom, Derby, 1 - 3 August 2025 Posted by grahame at 13:34, 4th February 2025 | |
Should have gone to wellhouse for a reliable build and service! 
Funnily enough ... when we hear people tell us about great online experiences with some very big organisations, they often turn out to be ones we have trained. It's amazing how much we got around.
When we appeared on Four in a Bed, our contestant care person (the person assigned by the production company to help the twits who have signed up to warned us to expect a huge spike when they broadcast our show. Took a look / listened to what we did and said "I don't think you'll have any problems". We didn't, though traffic was up that day by around 250 times.
I can't recall us training any of the companies who's booking engines have fallen over like in this example
| Re: Greatest Gathering 200th celebration - Alstom, Derby, 1 - 3 August 2025 Posted by grahame at 17:22, 4th February 2025 | |
Alstom has confirmed that tickets for The Greatest Gathering are set set to go back on sale following issues with the Mortons Media ticketing website last week.
Tickets originally went on sale on Friday last week, but sales were suspended a matter of hours later after many users received ‘Bad Gateway’ errors when trying to access the Mortons Media website.
Plenty of tickets remain available and will go back on sale tomorrow (5th February) at 9am
Based on last weeks demand, tickets wont be around for long and the new ticket website is being hosted by See Tickets, who are based in Nottingham.
Tickets originally went on sale on Friday last week, but sales were suspended a matter of hours later after many users received ‘Bad Gateway’ errors when trying to access the Mortons Media website.
Plenty of tickets remain available and will go back on sale tomorrow (5th February) at 9am
Based on last weeks demand, tickets wont be around for long and the new ticket website is being hosted by See Tickets, who are based in Nottingham.
| Re: Greatest Gathering 200th celebration - Alstom, Derby, 1 - 3 August 2025 Posted by PrestburyRoad at 09:16, 5th February 2025 | |
I've just booked a ticket successfully (for the Friday). The booking office site actually opened a few minutes after 09:00 - I thought to myself it was gently emulating a train that keeps closely to the timetable albeit not exactly, and matching my mental expectation of keeping within 5 minutes of schedule.
Credit to the organisers for finding a new ticket provider that works.
| Re: Greatest Gathering 200th celebration - Alstom, Derby, 1 - 3 August 2025 Posted by ChrisB at 10:29, 5th February 2025 | |
90mins in, and tickets are still generally available.
So demand isn't *that* great.
| Re: Greatest Gathering 200th celebration - Alstom, Derby, 1 - 3 August 2025 Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 07:42, 9th December 2025 | |
From the BBC:
The Greatest Gathering raised £100,000 for charity
All profits from The Greatest Gathering have been split between five charities and more than 50 railway heritage organisations
More than £100,000 has been donated to charity off the back of a national railway event in Derby.
The Greatest Gathering was hosted at manufacturer Alstom's base in the city to mark the 200th anniversary of the world's first passenger train service.
Described by its organisers as "the world's largest-ever collection of historic and modern rolling stock", more than 40,000 railway enthusiasts descended on Derby over the three-day event in August.
Alstom also announced the addition of an artwork commemorating the event, which was unveiled by music producer and train fan Pete Waterman on Monday.
Pete Waterman OBE was at the event on Monday to unveil the artwork of The Greatest Gathering
The money raised will be split between five chosen charities – Alzheimer's Research UK, Railway Benefit Fund, Railway Children, Railway Mission and Transport Benevolent Fund CIO – as well as more than 50 railway heritage organisations that took part in the Greatest Gathering event.
Andy Butters, managing director at Derby Litchurch Lane Works for Alstom, said: "Opening our Litchurch Lane Works to the public for the first time in almost 50 years was a special moment for Derby, Alstom and the wider industry.
"It allowed us to celebrate two centuries of innovation made here, across the country and around the world, and this fundraising milestone shows how powerfully our railway heritage continues to inspire."
Mr Waterman said the event "changed people's lives".
"It (the Greatest Gathering) celebrated the changing of the world. It was 200 years ago, a single man put his money into something he believed in, The Stockton and Darlington Railway."
All profits from The Greatest Gathering have been split between five charities and more than 50 railway heritage organisations
More than £100,000 has been donated to charity off the back of a national railway event in Derby.
The Greatest Gathering was hosted at manufacturer Alstom's base in the city to mark the 200th anniversary of the world's first passenger train service.
Described by its organisers as "the world's largest-ever collection of historic and modern rolling stock", more than 40,000 railway enthusiasts descended on Derby over the three-day event in August.
Alstom also announced the addition of an artwork commemorating the event, which was unveiled by music producer and train fan Pete Waterman on Monday.
Pete Waterman OBE was at the event on Monday to unveil the artwork of The Greatest Gathering
The money raised will be split between five chosen charities – Alzheimer's Research UK, Railway Benefit Fund, Railway Children, Railway Mission and Transport Benevolent Fund CIO – as well as more than 50 railway heritage organisations that took part in the Greatest Gathering event.
Andy Butters, managing director at Derby Litchurch Lane Works for Alstom, said: "Opening our Litchurch Lane Works to the public for the first time in almost 50 years was a special moment for Derby, Alstom and the wider industry.
"It allowed us to celebrate two centuries of innovation made here, across the country and around the world, and this fundraising milestone shows how powerfully our railway heritage continues to inspire."
Mr Waterman said the event "changed people's lives".
"It (the Greatest Gathering) celebrated the changing of the world. It was 200 years ago, a single man put his money into something he believed in, The Stockton and Darlington Railway."
