Welsh Narrow Gauge Railways Celebrate Success at the Heritage Railway Association Awards 2026

The Great Little Trains of Wales were well represented at the Heritage Railway Association Annual Awards 2026, held at Venue Cymru in Llandudno on 7 March. With Transport for Wales as headline sponsor, the event saw its biggest turnout yet, bringing together more than 300 people from heritage railways across the UK.

It was a strong night for Welsh narrow gauge railways, and we are incredibly proud to share that our member railways brought home a fantastic collection of wins and accolades.

Vale of Rheidol Railway Wins Achievement of the Year and the Heritage Railway Magazine Interpretation Award for their 'Collection X' project

The project involved moving more than fifty rare locomotives and carriages from Surrey to new homes across Wales and further afield. Alongside the relocation, the team produced Narrow Gauge Enigma, a book documenting the history of the collection. It’s a project that required a huge amount of planning and care, and the award recognises the scale of that effort.

The Vale of Rheidol also received a Highly Commended in the Railway of the Year category.

Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railways Wins Railway 200 Special Award for their 200 Wheels on the Cob event

The event marked two milestones: the national Railway 200 anniversary and 70 years since passenger trains returned to the Ffestiniog Railway in the preservation era. It brought people together to celebrate both local and national railway history in a memorable way.

They also earned a Highly Commended in the Achievement of the Year category for their interpretation and restoration of Boston Lodge, an important part of the railway’s heritage.

Further Recognition for Talyllyn Railway and Bala Lake Railway who were runners up in the following categories:

Event of the Year Award: Talyllyn Railway's Extravaganza event.

Rolling Stock Award: Talyllyn Railway’s replica gunpowder van and Bala Lake Railway’s replica Penrhyn saloon carriage.

Congratulations to all the organisations who took part in this year's Heritage Railway Association Annual Awards.