SOCIAL media star Francis Bourgeois, known for his viral trainspotting videos, visited the Severn Valley Railway's record-breaking Spring Diesel Festival last weekend. 

More than 6,500 people, including the Instagram influencer, flocked to the line to see the largest collection of diesel traction ever brought together at a heritage railway, in celebration of 50 years of diesel locomotives in preservation.

Francis attended on both the Saturday and Sunday, and posting to his millions of followers on social media he said: “The railway community is a place where camaraderie and friendship can be found just by sharing a carriage.

"This weekend at the SVR has been a testament to that – I’ve met so many great people and had an absolute blast. Thank you everyone at [the SVR] for an unforgettable weekend.”

There were 22 locomotives in service at the event and even more on display.

Worcester News: 88004 gets ready to depart Kidderminster Station. 88004 gets ready to depart Kidderminster Station. (Image: Jason Hood)

SVR’s managing director Jonathan ‘Gus’ Dunster said: “There have been quite a few nights burning the midnight oil to bring this together, but yet again, the SVR has shown its true colours and talents.

"My heartfelt thanks go to everyone who’s worked tirelessly to deliver another event showcasing our railway at its very best. We have smashed our target for passengers, and it has been gratifying to see so many people flocking to our event.

“As with the Spring Steam Gala, there are some learning points to take on board and we will action these for future events.

“I was bowled over by the messages of thanks online, and the sheer number of visitors who expressed their thanks to me in person during the four days of the Festival. Yet again we have put on an event that is at the pinnacle of UK heritage railway endeavours, and we’ve done it with professionalism and pride.”

The Festival featured a mixture of heritage locomotives and current mainline traction, and Gus paid tribute to the main line companies that were instrumental in the event’s success, including Avanti West Coast, Locomotive Services Ltd, Colas Rail, DB Cargo, Direct Rail Services, GB Railfreight, Great Western Railway, Network Rail and Rail Adventure UK.

Worcester News: A packed Bewdley Platform with D1015 approaching. A packed Bewdley Platform with D1015 approaching. (Image: Kevin Whitehurst)

He also highlighted the importance of the SVR’s £1.5 million Survival Fund appeal, which it launched earlier this year.

For more information on the Survival Fund appeal and to donate, please visit svr.co.uk

He added: “The success of both this event and our Spring Steam Gala in April show the prominence of the SVR within the heritage rail sector, and how important it is that we can continue to put on events like these. Our Survival Fund appeal is going to be crucial in ensuring that happens.

"We’ve received thousands of donations, and we’re hugely grateful for every one of them. But we need thousands more in order to reach our target of £1.5 million. This fundraising, along with further successful events and meticulous management of costs, will be what makes the difference to the SVR’s survival.”