Beer & Music Festival
28th - 31st August 2026
Since 2012, the Mid-Norfolk Railway’s annual fundraising Beer Festival has been a must-attend event for ale and cider lovers alike. We’re delighted to announce its return for 2025, bigger and better than ever!
Join us over the August Bank Holiday for a celebration of real ales and ciders from across the country, alongside the very best from local breweries. Enjoy your drink in a unique setting, with bars at our stations and even on board our trains.
🚂 Trains & Services
A special timetable will be running all weekend, featuring:
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Steam, Diesel, and Pacer trains in service across all four days
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Late evening trains on Friday and Saturday
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Services marked Loco hauled by Steam or Diesel engines; others will be operated by Pacer or Railcar
It’s the perfect way to sample great drinks while soaking up the atmosphere of heritage rail travel.
🍺 Bars
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Dereham Main Bar: Friday–Sunday, 11am–11pm (Monday until 6pm)
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Thuxton & Kimberley Park Station Bars: Open during train service hours (Card only)
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On-Train Bars: Serving throughout your journey
All drinks will be served via a token system. Simply purchase a set of beer tokens, grab your festival cup, and exchange tokens for drinks at any bar—onboard or at the stations. Buying in advance is the best value!
🔑 Important Info
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Challenge 25 policy applies – please bring valid ID.
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Abuse of staff or volunteers will not be tolerated.
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The festival supports the Mid-Norfolk Railway, helping us preserve and operate this much-loved heritage line.
Come for the beer, stay for the trains, and be part of one of Norfolk’s most loved summer traditions.
Fares - Advance Tickets
🎟️ Save Time & Money – Book in Advance!
Purchase your Beer & Music Festival tickets online at a special discounted rate and enjoy faster entry on the day with our quick and easy QR code check-in.
🚫The Kids Go Free offer does not apply to this special event.
No events at the moment
Fares - On the day
Tickets for our Beer & Music Festival can be purchased on the day of travel from the ticket offices at Dereham or Wymondham Abbey. If you are joining the train at one of our intermediate stations - Yaxham, Thuxton, or Kimberley Park - tickets can be bought on board directly from our friendly Ticket Inspectors or Guards.
Please note that same-day tickets are slightly more expensive than advance tickets, and queues are likely during busy periods. We strongly recommend booking in advance to save money and guarantee a smoother start to your day.
🚫The Kids Go Free offer does not apply to this special event.
*Please note that a valid MNR HOPS ID Card is required to obtain a MNRPT Working Members ticket.
Timetables
Friday 28th August - To be confirmed
Saturday 29th August - To be confirmed
Sunday 30th August - To be confirmed
Monday 31st August - To be confirmed
Traction
Below is the current list of traction set to attend and operate during our upcoming Diesel Gala. This line-up will be complemented by guest locomotives, which will be added once they are confirmed and officially announced.
Please note: All locomotives and units are subject to availability. The Mid-Norfolk Railway reserves the right to change or cancel any traction without prior notice.
Event - Terms & Conditions
*Please note that our Kids Go Free offer is NOT valid at this event. Any child between the ages of 5 - 15 must purchase a ticket to travel.
**Please note that whilst every effort is made to the advertised traction & services we do reserve the right to amend, alter or cancel service, The Mid-Norfolk Railway does not accept any responsibility for any inconvenience caused.
***Please note that the Mid-Norfolk Railway do operate a Challenge 25 policy and reserves the right to ask for Photo Identification/proof of date of birth. The Mid-Norfolk Railway also reserves the right to not serve alcohol to anyone it believes is below 18 years old, no refund will be made in this case. The Mid-Norfolk Railway will not tolerate any abuse or violence towards its staff members at any time.
****The Mid-Norfolk Railway are unable to offer any cancellations, refunds or reschedules to any orders, therefore please ensure you can attend the date/time you select before you make payment and book. By making a booking you agree that you shall not take on board the carriage any alcoholic drinks or illegal substances.
Full Terms & Conditions can be found here