Hitachi Newton Aycliffe factory to open its doors for Railway Bicentenary Celebrations

• Tickets for exclusive event available on Friday 16^th May at 9:00am.
• Factory tours, Locomotion No.1 and Railway 200 Exhibition Train will form part of the event on Saturday 4^th October 2025.
• Hitachi is a proud sponsor of S&DR200 Festival with more information about Hitachi’s Railway 200 celebrations here.

London, May 12, 2025: Hitachi Rail has today announced it will host a Railway 200 ‘Open Day’ on Saturday 4^th October at its Newton Aycliffe factory, as part of the national celebrations marking 200 years since the birth of the modern railway.

Tickets are due to go on sale on Friday 16th May at 9:00am. They will be available via this ticketing website – www.ticketsource.co.uk/hitachirail. Due to limited availability, it is advisable to book early on 16^th May to secure a spot.

This will be the first time Hitachi Rail has opened the doors of their UK factory to the public, coinciding with the 10-year anniversary of the factory opening.

The event promises a unique, behind-the-scenes look at one of the UK’s most advanced train manufacturing facilities, alongside a range of heritage and family-friendly activities designed to celebrate the past, present and future of rail.

Attractions include:

• Locomotion No.1 replica – the world’s first Locomotive to run on a public steam powered railway steam will be on site, with potential for photos and rides on Hitachi’s test track.
• The Railway 200 Exhibition Train ‘Inspiration’ – an interactive travelling exhibition showcasing the wide range of careers available in the modern rail industry
• Factory tours – offering a rare chance to see Hitachi’s pioneering trains up close, and speak directly with the team that make them.

The Open Day will also feature food stalls, family activities, heritage displays and talks, and the opportunity to meet some of the people shaping the next generation of rail travel.

Nigel King, Head of UK Manufacturing & Delivery at Hitachi Rail said: "Our Railway 200 ‘Open Day’ is a chance for local communities, families, and rail enthusiasts to come together and celebrate 200 years of world-leading railway innovation. From Locomotion No.1 to cutting-edge Hitachi trains, the day will showcase just how deep rail runs in our region’s DNA."

"We can’t wait to open our doors and celebrate with the local community, offering a behind-the-scenes look at how Hitachi brought train manufacturing back to its North East home, and hopefully inspire the next generation."

Hitachi is a proud sponsor of S&DR200 Festival. This ‘Open Day’ is part of Hitachi’s wider campaign to celebrate 200 years since the birth of the Stockton & Darlington Railway – the world’s first passenger railway. Further announcements will follow soon, including Hitachi involvement at Hopetown Darlington’s Steam to the Future exhibition in July.

More information about Hitachi’s Railway 200 celebrations can be found on our dedicated webpage – Railway 200 | Hitachi Rail

Niccy Hallifax, S&DR200 Festival Director said: "Hitachi came to the region because of the Heritage and S&DR, so we are thrilled to have Hitachi on board for these very special international 9-month festival celebrations. Railways have played a vital role in our lives, and the festival taps into that deep emotional connection through unforgettable experiences, exhibitions, and community events like this one."

"One of the highlights will be the newly renovated replica of Locomotion No. 1, which will journey along sections of the original S&DR line this September, so the fact the replica is then going to be showcased at the Hitachi Newton Aycliffe site, alongside Railway200s education train is fantastic."

Emma Roberts, Programme Manager for Railway 200, a cross-sector, Government-backed campaign, said:“This special exhibition train will provide a unique visitor experience for hundreds of thousands of people across Britain, including many schoolchildren. ‘Inspiration’ will excite, enlighten, entertain and encourage people to take a fresh view of the railway, as part of its bicentenary celebrations.”

“It will also invite visitors to consider a career in rail by showcasing the extensive variety of roles available. We look forward to welcoming them onboard for an unforgettable and potentially life-changing experience.”

Note to Editors:

• The ‘Open Day’ will take place on Saturday 4^th October from 10:00am to 18:00.
• Ticket prices are £15 for adults, £5 for children, free for under 5s.
• Tickets will be available via www.ticketsource.co.uk/hitachirail
• Ticket FAQ will be provided once tickets go on sale and more information will be sent directly to ticket holders a few weeks before the event.
• Tickets are being sold by an external ticketing partner.
• More information on the National Exhibition Train can be viewed here
• Any profits from ticket and merchandise sales will go to charity.
• Hitachi Rail’s Newton Aycliffe factory opened 3^rd September 2015.
• Railway 200 | Hitachi Rail