The Greatest Gathering: EMR shares top tips for those attending or enthusiasts wanting to enjoy the event
- EMR has shared top tips for people attending the Greatest Gathering or for those wanting to share the fun
- Best route to the event from the station shared
- Customers should expect services to busy and are advised to allow extra time to make their journey
- Customers asked to use the Derby station underpass - which has been revitalised and now features new local artwork and railway history boards
- Don't have tickets to The Greatest Gathering? Consider a platform ticket and be part of the fun
This summer, Derby becomes the beating heart of Britain’s railway heritage as The Greatest Gathering rolls into town. This once-in-a-generation celebration at Alstom’s historic Litchurch Lane Works is set to be a major highlight of the national Railway 200 programme.
With 12,500 visitors expected each day, The Greatest Gathering is more than just a rail event. It marks a significant shared moment in Derby’s proud and ongoing railway story.
Whether you're a train enthusiast, a curious local, or visiting with family, here are our top tips to help you make the most of your visit.
Top Tips for Attending The Greatest Gathering
Give yourself enough time and expect services to be busy
Arrive early and allow extra time for your journey. We are expecting large crowds, particularly with football fixtures also taking place in the region (including Derby County vs Atromitos on Saturday). Please plan ahead and allow plenty of time for your journey to avoid delays.
Planning to bring your bike? Understand the restrictions - it might be easier to leave it at home and walk
Most EMR services can accommodate bikes, but space is limited to two bikes per train. Reservations are essential on some routes, such as services to and from London (excluding EMR Connect), and between Liverpool and Norwich during the summer months. The Greatest Gathering is only a 8 to 10-minute walk away from the station and trains will be very busy so it may be easier for you to leave your bike at home this time.
Use Derby station’s underpass and explore the new history boards
Derby station will be busy throughout the event, and the best way to navigate it is by using the underpass. To mark the occasion, the underpass has been revitalised and now features new local artwork and railway history boards celebrating Derby’s legacy. It is a great opportunity to reflect on the city’s past, present and future as the new home of Great British Railways HQ.
Follow this route for the safest way to the event site
The event site is around an 8 to 10-minute walk from Derby Station. Please follow these directions carefully:
- Exit Derby Station and walk up Midland Road to the traffic lights.
- Use the pedestrian crossings to cross safely, then turn left onto London Road.
- Please do not attempt to cross further up the road as there are no safe crossing points.
- After crossing the railway bridge, turn right onto Litchurch Lane.
- The event entrance will be clearly marked on your left-hand side as you approach.
Don't have tickets to The Greatest Gathering? Consider a platform ticket
We are offering a rare opportunity to access Derby’s platforms during the event. Visitors with a platform ticket will be able to watch the trains arrive and depart and soak in the atmosphere of this special event.
Platform tickets are available on a first-come, first-served basis from the station. We are asking for a voluntary cash donation in aid of Dementia UK. There is no set amount. These tickets will provide access to a cordoned-off section of the platform, where enthusiasts can enjoy the view and meet other like-minded rail fans.
A total of 450 platform tickets will be available each day from 30 July to 3 August. The busiest days for train movements are 30 and 31 July.
Look out for special touches at Derby Station
To welcome visitors, the station will be decorated and we will be putting on a few special treats. Look out for:
- Bunting and sweets
- A live pianist
- An ice cream van outside for a cool treat
Philippa Cresswell, Customer Experience Director at East Midlands Railway, said: “The Greatest Gathering is a truly special event for Derby and the wider rail community, and we’re thrilled to welcome thousands of visitors to the city and to Derby station. It’s a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the past, present and future of the railway in a place that has played such a central role in its development.
"To help everyone enjoy the day safely and comfortably, we’re asking visitors to follow our travel tips, use the signed walking routes, expect busy services and consider arriving early.
"We are also encouraging people to support Dementia UK through our special platform ticket initiative - a great way to get closer to the action while supporting a brilliant cause.”