The Llangollen and Corwen Railway is set to transport visitors back in time with its 'Diesel Power and the Ultimate 80s Weekend' event on May 30-31. This new celebration will showcase classic diesel locomotives, live music, food, drink, and vintage cars from the decade that defined the 1980s.
Event Organisers
The event is organised by railway volunteers Pete Edwards and George Walker, both members of the railway's Diesel Group. Pete Edwards expressed his excitement: 'We have been discussing an 80s Weekend for years and are thrilled to finally bring it to life. While our diesel fleet dates from the late 1950s and 1960s, these machines were still in daily use during the 1980s. I remember travelling on them to gigs and events as a teenager. Our Class 47 locomotive, for instance, worked Crewe-Llandudno trains throughout the 80s. With its iconic double arrow logo and corporate blue livery, seeing 47449 in action is like stepping into a time machine to my youth.'
Locomotive Lineup
Alongside the Class 47, four other diesel locomotives will feature: Class 26 No. 26010 (formerly in Scotland), Class 31 No. 31271 (based in London), and two legendary Class 08 English Electric shunters, Nos. 08195 and 08202. Nicknamed 'Gronks' for their distinctive engine noise, these shunters were ubiquitous across the UK in the 80s. Some still operate on mainlines today, and the L&CR has two used for shunting and engineering trains.
George Walker, despite being born in the 1990s, has long been fascinated by the 80s: 'I love the trains, cars, buses, and music from that era. We're eager to see the Class 08s take centre stage and operate a public train—they rarely do this, offering a unique chance to turn back the clock 40 years, don 80s attire, and embrace nostalgia.'
Live Music and Entertainment
The 80s are remembered for their vibrant music scene, and the event will feature a live performance by Rhythm Train, a popular five-piece party band from Wrexham known for high-energy shows across North Wales. On Saturday evening, May 30, at Llangollen Station, they will perform a set of 80s classics, including anthems by Queen, Whitney Houston, Madonna, and Bon Jovi. Tickets cost £5, but are free for Gala Ticket holders.
Pete Edwards added: 'Our goal is not just to run trains but to take the Dee Valley back to the 80s. Expect vintage cars, signs, adverts, and many other nostalgic touches throughout the weekend. The 80s also transformed railways as British Rail prepared for privatisation, with sectorised units like Network South East, InterCity, and Railfreight becoming household names through advertising campaigns. We hope everyone will join in, raid their wardrobes, and wear their best 80s outfits.'
The event takes place at Llangollen Station, promising a memorable journey into the past.
