Events

Heritage Railway Association events are all purpose designed to help the heritage rail sector.

They're also a great way to meet new people from the sector, network and share information and ideas with colleagues from other HRA member organisations. We hold events regularly and try to use locations that are easily accessible for members from across the UK.

HRA Conferences

Our conferences are the biggest, most informative events that exist for heritage rail managers, directors, trustees and other senior volunteers or staff. They're never afraid to delve into the most challenging topics and to bring people together who are looking to find solutions to the biggest issues the sector faces. 

Previous events have covered everything from coal to marketing and communications; from equality and diversity to safety; governance to young volunteer recruitment. Every HRA conference is a 'must do' event if you're at the sharp end of heritage rail. 

Coinciding with the 200^th anniversary of the founding of pioneering locomotive manufacturers Robert Stephenson & Co, the Autumn 2024 event is being held in Newcastle-Upon-Tyne. The two-day conference is being held within sight of where locomotives like Locomotion and Rocket were built, at the Crowne Plaza hotel, on Forth Street, which is also conveniently located for Newcastle Central railway station.

Headline speakers include Davidson Ward, President of Minnesota-based FMW Solutions, who will be sharing his expertise on converting steam locomotives to oil firing. 

Autumn 2023 HRA Conference

HRA Annual Awards

The Heritage Railway Association Annual Awards, is the 'Oscars' of the heritage rail sector. The long-running awards recognise excellence or innovation in almost every aspect of heritage railway and tramway restoration, preservation and operation. Recent winners have ranged from the Sittingbourne and Kemsley Light Railway’s 2ft 6in gauge steam locomotive Premier, to the Class 50 Alliance for their work on late-1960s 100mph diesel electric locomotives.

The 2024 HRA Awards Evening and Dinner for finalists will be held in Brighton during February and will feature guest speakers and networking opportunities alongside a three-course meal.

Entries for the HRA Annual Awards 2024 are open online now entries in 11 categories covering everything from steam locomotive restoration to business and customer innovation.

HRA Annual Awards 2024

The Heritage Railway Association also has exciting plans for a range of further events during 2023 and 2024, including safety specific events. They'll be held across the UK, so check back soon for more information.