Events

All about our events, visits and places to see The 125 Group & 41001

The CITADEL Circle – 25-07-2026

125 Group are pleased to announce that we will be taking our HST to Carlisle on Saturday 25th July 2026.

Working with our good friends at Retro Railtours, who will manage all aspects of the bookings on our behalf, “The Citadel Circle” will operate as follows (ALL TIMINGS ARE APPROXIMATE UNTIL CONFIRMED BY NETWORK RAIL):

Outbound –

Departs Manchester Victoria – 0700

Crewe – 0815

Stoke-on-Trent – 0850

Derby – 0930

Chesterfield – 0950

Sheffield – 1010

York – 1110

Carlisle – 1330

Return –

Departs Carlisle – 1600

Crewe – 1800

Stoke-on-Trent – 1840

Derby – 1930

Chesterfield – 1950

Sheffield – 2010

Wakefield Kirkgate – 2040

Manchester Victoria – 2145

The train will then travel north on the East Coast Main Line and should demonstrate its full speed capability before taking the spur from Low Fell to Norwood Junction for a more leisurely run across the Tyne Valley via Haltwhistle to Carlisle for a break.

The return will be via the West Coast mainline direct to Crewe (with connections for Manchester available – these are NOT included in the fare), before completing the circle for everyone by retracing our steps to set down at Stoke, Derby Chesterfield and Sheffield. Our final set down will be at Manchester Victoria.

First Class and Standard class seating will be available on board and a counter service buffet serving hot and cold food and drinks will be available throughout.

The following fares are available:

We look forward to welcoming you aboard “The Citadel Circle” on the 25th July.

Your chance to startup an InterCity 125 Power Car – SOLD OUT

125 Group needs to start one of its power cars during the Greatest Gathering to ensure that coaches are provided with electricity for cooling and power.  This will be done three times each day at 11:00; 13:00 and 15:00 and we are giving you the opportunity for a unique experience to prepare and start the power car in front of the events attendees.

You will be met be one of our Engineering team and given a complete look over a power car.  You will then be walked to the opposite end of our set to effect a full start up.  You will be shown the process and invited to switch in the batteries ready for start.  You will then enter the cab and ensure all the necessary switches are set in the electrical compartment before taking the driver’s seat. You will then insert the desk key and be talked through the process of starting – culminating in holding the start button until the engine roars into life.  Once running, you will set the electric train supply and then have the opportunity to walk through the set and see the power operation at work.

You may bring one other person with you – who will be able to take photos/video of the occasion.  After the start-up, you will be provided with a certificate to mark the event and a copy of a drivers guide for HST operation and fault finding.

To take up this unique opportunity, you must be fit enough to climb into and out of the HST cab from ground level and have a valid entry ticket for the Greatest Gathering event on the date of your experience.  As the experience is part of the programmed operation of the Group, you must attend by the steps to the open power car 15 minutes before the appointed start time to enjoy this experience and no refunds can be given in the case of late or non arrival.

The experiences are for sale here from 19:00 on Monday 14th July for the sum of £125 per experience. Sales are restricted to 1 per person to ensure everyone gets a fair chance and once they are sold, the Group cannot permit any refunds or further offerings. Proceeds from the experience will be shared equally between the 125 Group and the Greatest Gathering’s nominated charities.