Alstom’s The Greatest Gathering raises over £100,000 for charities and heritage groups
Alstom, a global leader in smart and sustainable mobility, has announced that its record-breaking Railway 200 event, The Greatest Gathering, has raised over £100,000 (€114,000) for charitable causes.
Held at Alstom’s Derby Litchurch Lane Works in the UK from Friday 1 to Sunday 3 August 2025, the festival brought together the world’s largest-ever collection of historic and modern trains. More than 40,000 rail enthusiasts attended in person to see over 140 rail vehicles, while millions more joined the celebration virtually. The event marked the 200th anniversary of the modern railway and was the first time in nearly 50 years that the Derby site opened its doors to the public.
On Monday 8 December, the Railway 200 Organising Committee presented a giant cheque representing the funds raised through ticket sales, vendor fees, and merchandise. The total will be shared among the five selected charities – Alzheimer’s Research UK, Railway Benefit Fund, Railway Children, Railway Mission, and Transport Benevolent Fund CIO – as well as more than 50 heritage railway organisations that took part in the festival.
Andy Butters, Managing Director Derby Litchurch Lane Works at Alstom said:
“Raising over £100,000 is an outstanding result and a testament to the generosity of railfans, partners and the hundreds of volunteers who made The Greatest Gathering possible. We’re proud that these funds will support national charities and the heritage organisations that keep Britain’s railway story alive. 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.”
Jo Kaye, Chief Executive Officer of the Railway Benefit Fund said:
“We are immensely proud to have been included in this once-in-a-lifetime, record-breaking event, and we share this moment in history with the fantastic organising team. Supporting the railway family will always be our priority, and the proceeds raised will directly allow us to give the people behind the UK's railways and their families a helping hand when they face difficult challenges, such as illness, injury or financial hardship. This will make a real difference right away. Finally, thank you again to Alstom and the organising team for creating an event that will inspire the next generation, showcasing the incredible community and encouraging young people to become the railway talent of tomorrow.”
Image: Alstom