THE LLANGOLLEN and Corwen Railway is preparing for one of the biggest events of its 2026 calendar as the hugely anticipated Diesel Power and Ultimate 80s Weekend takes place on Saturday, May 30 and Sunday, May 31.
Across the weekend, visitors can expect a packed programme of heritage diesel action, authentic 1980s nostalgia, live entertainment, and festival-style atmosphere across the railway.
Gates open at 8.30am on both days, with ten train services operating daily between Llangollen and Corwen as part of an intensive gala timetable.
This year’s event features an impressive line-up of heritage diesel traction including:
- Class 47 – BRUSH TYPE 4 – 47449
- Class 26 – BRCW TYPE 2 – 5310
- Class 31 – BRUSH TYPE 2 31271
Alongside the main line locomotives, visitors will also be able to enjoy:
• Two Class 08 shunters
• 08195 British Rail in black livery (For passenger working for close to a decade)
• 08202 British Rail in blue livery
A special double-headed shunter working will depart at 3.30pm for Glyn, returning at 4.20pm.
Brake van rides will also operate during the weekend, giving visitors the chance to experience heritage railway travel from a completely different perspective.
Departure times:
- 10.55am
- 1.25pm
Stations throughout the line are being transformed with authentic 1980s signage and decorations, helping recreate the sights and feel of the decade.
At Llangollen Station, visitors will be welcomed by a full 80s soundtrack throughout the day, with DJ Pete Edwards providing the music and party atmosphere across the weekend.
Fancy dress is strongly encouraged, with visitors invited to arrive in neon colours, leg warmers, leather jackets and classic 80s fashion.
A full 80s-themed menu will also be available throughout the event.
Saturday evening will see popular Wrexham covers band Rhythm Train headline a huge live music event inside a special marquee at Llangollen Station between 6pm and 10pm.
The event combines live music, heritage diesel locomotives and a full-on 1980s party atmosphere in the heart of the Dee Valley.
Rhythm Train will perform two live sets alongside a dedicated 80s DJ set, complete with professional PA and lighting.
The five-piece party band has built a strong reputation performing at events across the UK, with members having performed alongside artists including Eric Clapton, Snow Patrol, Supergrass and Echo and the Bunnymen, as well as appearances at venues including the Royal Albert Hall and Glastonbury Festival.
Their setlist includes crowd favourites such as:
- Footloose
- Relight My Fire
- I Will Survive
- Summer of ’69
- Don’t Stop Me Now
- Rhythm is a Dancer
- Murder on the Dance Floor
- Voulez Vous
Evening entertainment tickets are available for just £5 and are free for gala ticket holders.
Ticket Prices:
- Adults
- 1 Day: £36
- 2 Days: £65
- Children
- 1 Day: £6
- 2 Days: £10
- Dogs: £3
Admission to Rhythm Train is just £5 for non-gala ticket holders and free for gala ticket holders.
All gala tickets include unlimited travel throughout the day, allowing visitors to hop on and off trains across the railway.
Pete Edwards from the railway said: “We wanted to create something that felt completely different from a traditional railway gala.
“The idea was to combine powerful heritage diesel locomotives with a proper party atmosphere and create an event where people can enjoy great trains during the day and fantastic live music at night.
“Rhythm Train are absolutely perfect for this because they have huge energy, a brilliant reputation and a setlist packed with songs people know and love. We think the atmosphere in the marquee is going to be incredible.”
The Diesel Power & Ultimate 80s Weekend takes place on Saturday, May 30 and Sunday, May 31 at the Llangollen and Corwen Railway.
Tickets and further information are available via the Llangollen and Corwen Railway website.
