What does the strike mean for Rail Live?

Despite the prospect of national strike action on June 21, 23 and 25, we are delighted to confirm that Rail Live will go ahead as planned at Porterbrook’s Long Marston Rail Innovation Centre (Warwickshire) on June 22-23.

However, the expected disruption to operations across the network has inevitably resulted in some changes to the travel information previously advertised in RAIL, and in the 48-page supplement with this issue.

Regrettably, the planned RMT strikes on June 23 mean that the planned nine-coach Vintage Trains charters from Birmingham New Street and Worcester directly into Rail Live have been scrapped on both days of the show.

We thank our partners at Vintage Trains and Network Rail in arranging the trains and will return to these plans in 2023.

Meanwhile, the shuttle services from Honeybourne to Rail Live, using Chiltern Railways’ HybridFLEX battery-diesel train, will continue to run on June 22.

These connect directly with Great Western Railway services from London Paddington, Slough, Reading, Oxford, Worcestershire Parkway and Great Malvern.

Timetables were due to be confirmed after this issue of RAIL went to press, so please check the Rail Live website for details.

On Thursday June 23, it is hoped that this innovative train will provide lengthened demonstration runs onto the main line at Honeybourne, although this is yet to be confirmed by NR.

On both days of the show, shuttle bus services will run from Warwick Parkway station into the Rail Live site at Long Marston. This convenient location will allow visitors to avoid busy local roads surrounding the site at Long Marston.

For those who do choose to

drive, there is car parking provision for more than 3,000 vehicles immediately outside the LMRIC.

Car sharing is requested where possible to mitigate the show’s environmental impact and to reduce road congestion out of consideration for Rail Live’s neighbours.

“The changes are regrettable, but the show is going ahead as full-throated as before...” said RAIL Managing Editor and Events Director Nigel Harris.

“The show is booked and organised and will go ahead with our usual enthusiasm. Do come and join us.”