Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railways

20/06/2026

BRILLIANT BRASS BAND & COOL CARS: DAY 2!

It’s day 2 of our ‘Extreme Steam Extravaganza’ Summer Gala and there’s been pl;enty to keep visitors entertained across the railways!

Firstly, we’d like to say a huge thanks to the Oakley Silver Brass Band, whose performances at Blaenau Ffestiniog, Tan y Bwlch and Porthmadog stations have provided a superb soundtrack to the day's events. Their performances have been enjoyed by passengers and photographers alike, helping to create a truly special atmosphere along the Ffestiniog Railway.

There’s also been plenty of ‘weird and wonderful’ sights to look out for on the tracks, particularly the pair of classic road cars carried on one of our well wagons, a Mini and an Austin A30, displayed as part of a rather unusual (and very photogenic) freight set-up. These eye-catching workings have been drawing plenty of attention as they've travelled up and down the line!

The cool cars haven’t only been on the waggons, as we’ve once again welcomed a fantastic collection of classic cars to Harbour Station car park, providing a fantastic first impression for visitors arriving at Harbour Station.

With steam, music and heritage vehicles galore day 2 has showcased exactly what’s made this Summer Gala ‘weird and wonderful’!

It’s now time to look forward to our upcoming Oktoberfest Beer Festival at Tan y Bwlch later this evening!

Were you with us today? We'd love to see your photos in the comments below.

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BAND PRES GWYCH A CHEIR CWL… DIWRNOD DAU!

Mae hi'n ddiwrnod 2 o'n Gala Haf ‘Sioe Stêm Rhagorol’ ac mae digon wedi bod yn mynd mlaen i ddiddanu ymwelwyr ar draws y rheilffyrdd!

Yn gyntaf, hoffem ddiolch yn fawr iawn i Fand Pres A***n Oakley, y mae eu perfformiadau yng ngorsafoedd Blaenau Ffestiniog, Tan-y-Bwlch a Phorthmadog wedi darparu trac sain arbennig i ddigwyddiadau'r dydd. Mae eu perfformiadau wedi cael eu mwynhau gan deithwyr a ffotograffwyr fel ei gilydd, gan helpu i greu awyrgylch wirioneddol arbennig ar hyd Rheilffordd Ffestiniog.

Bu hefyd ddigonedd o olygfeydd ‘rhyfedd a rhyfeddol’ i gadw llygad amdanynt ar y rheiliau, yn enwedig y pâr o geir ffordd clasurol a gludwyd ar un o'n wagenni ffynnon – Mini ac Austin A30 – a oedd yn rhan o gyfansoddiad nwyddau anarferol iawn (a hynod ffotogenig!). Mae'r trenau trawiadol hyn wedi denu llawer o sylw wrth deithio i fyny ac i lawr y lein!

Nid ar y wagenni'n unig yr oedd y ceir cŵl chwaith, gan ein bod unwaith eto wedi croesawu casgliad gwych o geir clasurol i faes parcio Gorsaf Harbwr, gan roi argraff gyntaf wych i ymwelwyr wrth gyrraedd yr orsaf.

Gyda digonedd o stêm, cerddoriaeth a cherbydau treftadaeth, mae diwrnod 2 wedi dangos yn berffaith beth sydd wedi gwneud y Gala Haf hon mor ‘rhyfedd a rhyfeddol’!

Nawr mae'n bryd edrych ymlaen at ein Gŵyl Gwrw Oktoberfest sydd i ddod yn Nhân-y-Bwlch yn hwyrach heno!

Oeddech chi gyda ni heddiw? Byddem wrth ein bodd yn gweld eich lluniau yn y sylwadau isod.

20/06/2026

🚂 MINI MODEL RAILWAY SHOW – Y GWEITHDY, MINFFORDD: 20th – 21st June 2026

It’s our ‘Extreme Steam Extravaganza’ Summer Gala (19th – 21st June 2026) and this weekend we will be hosting a Mini Model Railway Show at Y Gweithdy in Minffordd Station!

The show will be Free Entry to all and will take place between 10:00 – 16:00 (last entry 15:45) on Saturday, 20th of June and Sunday 21st of June 2026.

Our Mini Model Railway Show offers something for railway enthusiasts, modellers, and families alike. Among the highlights is Portmadoc 1961, a Boston Lodge-inspired layout created by a talented 12-year-old modeller and presented in both O-16.5 and N7 scales. Visitors can also enjoy a classic OO gauge Hornby Dublo display layout and Porthdeen, an N gauge Cornish layout demonstrating what can be achieved in a surprisingly small space.

Beyond the layouts, discover the art of traditional railway signwriting, learn about volunteering opportunities and visit the Flower Power fundraising stand supporting station gardening projects. Local artist Ben Powell will be exhibiting a selection of railway-themed paintings for sale.

A second-hand book stall will also offer a range of railway and general-interest titles.

We advise travelling to the event by train as parking will be very limited!

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🚂 SIOE MODELU RHEILFFYRDD FECHAN – Y GWEITHDY, MINFFORDD: 20–21 MEHEFIN 2026

Mae hi’n ein Gala Haf ‘Extreme Steam Extravaganza’ (19–21 Mehefin 2026), ac penwythnos yma byddwn yn cynnal Sioe Rheilffordd Fodel Fechan yn Y Gweithdy yng Ngorsaf Minffordd.

Bydd mynediad i'r sioe yn rhad ac am ddim i bawb, a bydd yn cael ei chynnal rhwng 10:00 a 16:00 (mynediad olaf am 15:45) ddydd Sadwrn 20 Mehefin a dydd Sul 21 Mehefin 2026.

Mae ein Sioe Rheilffordd Fodel Fechan yn cynnig rhywbeth i selogion rheilffyrdd, modelwyr a theuluoedd fel ei gilydd. Ymhlith yr uchafbwyntiau mae Portmadoc 1961, cynllun wedi’i ysbrydoli gan Boston Lodge a grëwyd gan fodelwr talentog 12 oed, ac a gyflwynir ar raddfeydd O-16.5 ac N7. Gall ymwelwyr hefyd fwynhau cynllun arddangos clasurol Hornby Dublo ar raddfa OO, ynghyd â Porthdeen, cynllun Cernywaidd ar raddfa N sy’n dangos yr hyn y gellir ei gyflawni mewn gofod rhyfeddol o fach.

Yn ogystal â’r cynlluniau model, dewch i ddarganfod celfyddyd ysgrifennu arwyddion rheilffordd draddodiadol, dysgu am gyfleoedd gwirfoddoli, ac ymweld â stondin codi a***n Flower Power, sy’n cefnogi prosiectau garddio gorsafoedd. Bydd yr artist lleol Ben Powell yn arddangos detholiad o baentiadau ar thema rheilffyrdd a fydd ar gael i’w prynu.

Bydd stondin lyfrau ail-law hefyd yn cynnig amrywiaeth o deitlau yn ymwneud â rheilffyrdd ac o ddiddordeb cyffredinol.

Rydym yn cynghori teithio i’r digwyddiad ar y trên gan y bydd llefydd parcio yn gyfyngedig iawn.

20/06/2026

🎷 LIVE (FREE) MUSIC AT BLAENAU FFESTINIOG, TAN Y BWLCH & PORTHMADOG STATIONS TODAY!

It’s Day 2 of our ‘Extreme Steam Extravaganza’ and we're delighted to welcome Royal Oakeley Silver Band (Seindorf A***n yr Oakeley) to this year's gala!

Founded in 1864, the band is one of Wales' oldest brass bands and they will be making a journey along the length of the Ffestiniog Railway whilst stopping off to play at some stations en-route!
Today, they will be performing at:

🟡 Blaenau Ffestiniog Station: approx. 11:00 – 11:45
🟡 Tan-y-Bwlch Station: approx. 12:15 – 13:45
🟡 Porthmadog Harbour Station: approx. 14:45 – 15:45

Come and watch them play, there’s no need to be an event ticket holder to enjoy any of the performances, simply turn up at one of three stations and enjoy the music!

Visitors can look forward to three performances from one of Wales' most historic and accomplished brass bands throughout the day. In keeping with the gala's ‘Weird and Wonderful’ theme, the band will be performing an eclectic programme, so expect to hear all manner of musical favourites and unexpected selections along the way.

Part of the fun will be seeing the band travel between performances by train, with musicians and instrument cases appearing on platforms and in carriages as they make their way down the railway for the next engagement!

Please note, parking restrictions will apply at all three stations and so we would highly recommend travelling by train via an event rover ticket to both Blaenau Ffestiniog and Tan y Bwlch.

A wonderful addition to a day celebrating steam, heritage and the communities that have helped shape the railway and the region for generations!

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🎷 CERDDORIAETH (AM DDIM) FYW YNG NGORSAFOEDD MLAENAU FFESTINIOG, TAN-Y-BWLCH A PHORTHMADOG HEDDIW!

Mae hi’n Ddiwrnod 2 ein ‘Sioe Stêm Rhagorol’, ac rydym yn falch iawn o groesawu Band A***n yr Oakeley (Royal Oakeley Silver Band) i ŵyl eleni!

Wedi’i sefydlu ym 1864, mae’r band yn un o fandiau pres hynaf Cymru, a byddant yn teithio ar hyd Rheilffordd Ffestiniog gan alw mewn nifer o orsafoedd ar hyd y ffordd i berfformio.

Heddiw, byddant yn perfformio yn:

🟡 Gorsaf Blaenau Ffestiniog: tua 11:00 – 11:45
🟡 Gorsaf Tan-y-Bwlch: tua 12:15 – 13:45
🟡 Gorsaf Harbwr Porthmadog: tua 14:45 – 15:45

Dewch i’w gwylio’n chwarae! Nid oes angen tocyn i’r digwyddiad er mwyn mwynhau unrhyw un o’r perfformiadau – dewch draw i un o’r tair gorsaf a mwynhewch y gerddoriaeth.

Gall ymwelwyr edrych ymlaen at dri pherfformiad gan un o fandiau pres mwyaf hanesyddol a medrus Cymru drwy gydol y dydd. Yn unol â thema’r ŵyl, sef ‘Rhyfeddol ac Anhygoel’, bydd y band yn perfformio rhaglen amrywiol ac eclectig, felly disgwyliwch glywed amrywiaeth o ffefrynnau cerddorol a detholiadau annisgwyl ar hyd y daith.

Rhan o’r hwyl fydd gweld y band yn teithio rhwng y perfformiadau ar y trên, gyda cherddorion a’u hachosion offerynnau’n ymddangos ar y platfformau ac yn y cerbydau wrth iddynt wneud eu ffordd ar hyd y rheilffordd i’w hymrwymiad nesaf!

Sylwer y bydd cyfyngiadau parcio mewn grym ym mhob un o’r tair gorsaf, ac felly rydym yn argymell yn gryf deithio ar y trên gan ddefnyddio tocyn rover y digwyddiad i gyrraedd Blaenau Ffestiniog a Than-y-Bwlch.

Ychwanegiad gwych at ddiwrnod sy’n dathlu stêm, treftadaeth a’r cymunedau sydd wedi helpu i lunio’r rheilffordd a’r rhanbarth dros genedlaethau!

19/06/2026

THANK YOU ALL FOR A MEMORABLE FIRST GALA DAY!

As Day 1 of our Extreme Steam Extravaganza Summer Gala draws to a close, we'd like to extend a huge thank you to everyone who has been part of today's event!

Like most railway gala events, the day presented a few challenges along the way, however, thanks to the dedication, professionalism and sheer hard work of our staff and volunteers across all departments, we were able to keep the show on the road and deliver a memorable day for our visitors!

Thank you to all our staff and volunteers for their hard work throughout the day and to our visitors for their patience, understanding and support.

One of the highlights of the day was our ‘The Spirit of Steam and Song’ train, on which we officially launched our limited-edition ‘Adfywiad Blanche Revival’ Whisky in collaboration with Penderyn. It was a truly memorable experience, combining fantastic live music from ‘The Travelling Sessions’, whisky tasting and great company, while celebrating 75 years of railway preservation through special displays during the interval at Caernarfon Station.

With Day 1 now complete, we're already looking ahead to the next few days of the gala, with more memorable spectacles guaranteed along both railways, live performances from The Oakeley Silver Band and a unique Oktoberfest awaiting up at Tan y Bwlch!

Thank you all for being part of the ‘Weird and Wonderful’ antics, we'll see you tomorrow for another memorable day!

Plenty more photos from across all 3 days of our Gala will be uploaded on our socials in due course.

It’s not too late to buy your tickets now and be there to witness the spectacle: https://www.festrail.co.uk/extreme-steam-extravaganza/



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DIOLCH I BAWB AM DDIWRNOD CYNTAF COFIADWY O’R GŴYL!

Wrth i Ddiwrnod 1 o'n Gala Haf ‘Sioe Stêm Rhagorol’ ddod i ben, hoffem estyn diolch enfawr i bawb sydd wedi bod yn rhan o ddigwyddiadau heddiw!

Fel rhan fwyaf o digwyddiadau gala rheilffyrdd, roedd ambell her i'w hwynebu yn ystod y dydd. Fodd bynnag, diolch i ymroddiad, proffesiynoldeb a gwaith caled ein staff a'n gwirfoddolwyr ar draws pob adran, llwyddwyd i gadw'r sioe ar y ffordd a darparu diwrnod cofiadwy i'n hymwelwyr! Diolch i'n holl staff a gwirfoddolwyr am eu hymdrechion diflino drwy gydol y dydd, ac i'n hymwelwyr am eu hamynedd, eu dealltwriaeth a'u cefnogaeth.

Un uchafbwynt y dydd oedd ein trên ‘Ysbryd Stêm a Chân’, lle lansiwyd yn swyddogol ein wisgi argraffiad cyfyngedig ‘Adfywiad Blanche Revival’ mewn cydweithrediad â Penderyn. Roedd yn brofiad gwirioneddol gofiadwy, yn cyfuno cerddoriaeth fyw wych gan ‘The Travelling Sessions’, sesiynau blasu wisgi a chwmni da, tra'n dathlu 75 mlynedd o gadwraeth rheilffyrdd drwy arddangosfeydd arbennig yn ystod yr egwyl yng Ngorsaf Caernarfon.

Gyda Diwrnod 1 bellach wedi'i gwblhau, rydym eisoes yn edrych ymlaen at weddill yr ŵyl, gyda mwy o olygfeydd cofiadwy i'w mwynhau ar y ddwy reilffordd, perfformiadau byw gan Fand A***n Oakley, ac Oktoberfest unigryw yn aros amdanoch yn Nhan-y-Bwlch!

Diolch i chi gyd am fod yn rhan o'r antics ‘Rhyfedd a Rhyfeddol’, welwn ni chi eto yfory am ddiwrnod cofiadwy arall!

Bydd digonedd mwy o luniau ar draws bob un o'r 3 diwrnod o'n Gala yn cael eu bostio ar ein tudalennau cymdeithasol mewn da bryd.

Dydi o ddim rhy hwyr i brynu tocyn, archebwch eich tocynnau nawr a byddwch yno i fwynhau: https://www.festrail.co.uk/extreme-steam-extravaganza/

19/06/2026

Please note that our web server is being relocated overnight. this may cause service interruption. Please use www.festrail.online to book journeys in the meantime. The website will be fully available during the morning of Saturday 20.6.

FFESTINIOG & WELSH HIGHLAND RAILWAYS Please use the menu below to book your journey!

19/06/2026

Moelwyn and David Lloyd George at Minffordd during day 1 of the Extreme Steam Extravaganza at the Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railways today

19/06/2026

2 hours left to get your cake! Cake van will shut at 2p.m Friday 19th - back tomorrow morning - same spot in the station !

It's a bit damp here, and perhaps wetter this afternoon and I can start on tomorrow's big restock list a little bit earlier - in the dry!

19/06/2026

‘EXTREME STEAM EXTRAVAGANZA’ SUMMER GALA OPENING TIMES

Our ‘Extreme Steam Extravaganza’ Gala has arrived and will take place between Friday, 19th June – Sunday, 21st of June 2026.

Spooner’s will be the perfect place to relax and soak up the atmosphere between train rides so whether you're starting your day with a hearty breakfast, enjoying a leisurely lunch or stopping by for coffee and cake, you'll find delicious food, friendly service, and superb views of the railway action from outdoor terrace!

Located right at the centre of the event, Spooner’s offers a welcoming setting for families, enthusiasts and visitors alike, making it an essential stop during one our busiest and most exciting weekends.

Our opening times will vary slightly over the course of the 3 days, see info below.

Come and join us here at Spooner’s!



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‘SIOE STÊM RHAGOROL’ WEDI CYRAEDD!

Mae ein Gala ‘Sioe Stêm Rhagorol’ wedi cyrraedd ac fydd yn cael ei gynnal rhwng Dydd Gwener, 19eg o Fehefin – Dydd Sul, 21ain o Fehefin 2026.

Bydd Spooner’s yn lle perffaith i ymlacio a mwynhau’r awyrgylch rhwng teithiau trên. Felly, os ydych yn dechrau’r diwrnod gyda brecwast swmpus, yn mwynhau cinio hamddenol neu’n galw heibio am goffi a chacen, fe gewch fwyd blasus, gwasanaeth cyfeillgar a golygfeydd gwych o’r gweithgareddau rheilffordd o’r teras awyr agored.

Wedi’i leoli yng nghanol y digwyddiad, mae Spooner’s yn cynnig croeso cynnes i deuluoedd, selogion ac ymwelwyr fel ei gilydd, gan ei wneud yn fan hanfodol i ymweld ag ef yn ystod un o’n penwythnosau prysuraf a mwyaf cyffrous.

Bydd ein horiau agor yn amrywio ychydig dros gyfnod y 3 diwrnod, gweler y wybodaeth isod.

Dewch i ymuno hefo ni yma yn Spooner’s!

19/06/2026

‘EXTREME STEAM EXTRAVAGANZA’ IS GO!

Our ‘Extreme Steam Extravaganza’ Gala has arrived and we can’t wait to share a whole host of ‘Weird and Wonderful Surprises’ with you all!

Get ready for a spectacular celebration of steam and heritage, packed with action, atmosphere and excitement around every corner. Marvel at a whole host of unusual train formations, discover fascinating classic cars and vintage vehicles, grab our event programmes and memorabilia and enjoy a host of unusual sights and attractions that bring the past roaring back to life!

From the sights, sounds and smells of steam power to family-friendly entertainment, demonstrations and special displays, there’s something to captivate enthusiasts and newcomers alike. Whether you're a lifelong railway fan, a classic vehicle enthusiast or simply looking for a fantastic day out, the ‘Extreme Steam Extravaganza’ promises to be extraordinary experience for all!

It’s not too late to buy your tickets now and be there to witness the spectacle: https://www.festrail.co.uk/extreme-steam-extravaganza/



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‘SIOE STÊM RHAGOROL’ WEDI CYRAEDD!

Mae ein Gala ‘Sioe Stêm Rhagorol’ wedi cyrraedd, ac allwn ni ddim aros i rannu llu o ‘Syrpreisys Rhyfedd a Rhyfeddol’ gyda chi i gyd!

Paratowch am ddathliad ysblennydd o stêm a threftadaeth, yn llawn gweithgaredd, awyrgylch a chyffro o amgylch pob cornel. Rhyfeddwch wrth weld amrywiaeth o ffurfiannau trên anarferol, darganfyddwch geir clasurol a cherbydau hanesyddol hynod ddiddorol, codwch ein rhaglenni digwyddiad a'n cofroddion, a mwynhewch lu o olygfeydd ac atyniadau anarferol sy’n dod â’r gorffennol yn ôl yn fyw gyda grym!

O olygfeydd, synau ac arogleuon pŵer stêm i adloniant i’r teulu cyfan, arddangosiadau a sioeau arbennig, mae rhywbeth yma i swyno selogion profiadol a newydd-ddyfodiaid fel ei gilydd. P’un a ydych yn gefnogwr rheilffyrdd ers blynyddoedd, yn frwd dros gerbydau clasurol, neu’n chwilio am ddiwrnod gwych allan, mae’r ‘Extravaganza Stêm Eithafol’ yn addo bod yn brofiad gwirioneddol eithriadol i bawb!

Dydi o ddim rhy hwyr I brynu tocyn, archebwch eich tocynnau nawr a byddwch yno i fwynhau: https://www.festrail.co.uk/extreme-steam-extravaganza/

18/06/2026

We are here at the Ffestiniog Railway for their Midsummer Gala!