Hitachi Newton Aycliffe factory to open its doors for Railway Bicentenary Celebrations
Tickets for exclusive event available on Friday 16th May at 9:00am.
× Factory tours, Locomotion No.1 and Railway 200 Exhibition Train will form part of the event on Saturday 4th 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 4th 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 16th 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 Railwav 200 'Open Dav' is a chance for local communities, families, and rail enthusiasts to come together and celebrate 200 vears of world-leading railwav innovation. From Locomotion No.1 to cutting-edge Hitachi trains, the dav 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 communitV, offering a behind-the scenes look at how Hitachi brought train manufacturing back to its North East home, and hopefullv 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 the dedicated webpage - https://bit.ly/3FcR481
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 verv special international 9-month festival celebrations. Railwavs have plaved a vital role in our lives, and the festival taps into that deep emotional connection through unforgettable experiences, exhibitions, and communitv events like this one."
"One of the highlights will be the newlv renovated replica of Locomotion No. 1, which will journev 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 Avcliffe site, alongside Railwav200s 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 manv schoolchildren. 'Inspiration' will excite, enlighten, entertain and encourage people to take a fresh view of the railwaV, as part of its bicentenarv celebrations."
"It will also invite visitors to consider a career in rail bv showcasing the extensive varietv 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 4th 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 3rd September 2015.
About Hitachi Rail:
Hitachi Rail is connecting the future of mobility - helping every passenger, customer and community enjoy the benefits of more seamless, sustainable transport.
With innovative technology and world-leading delivery capabilities, Hitachi Rail is a trusted partner to customers and consortia partners globally. The company is an expert in every part of the railway: from train manufacturing and maintenance to digital signalling and smart mobility. Its pioneering products, such as the iconic high speed bullet train, enable billions of passenger journeys and the transport of millions of tonnes of freight, every year.
Drawing on the powerful expertise of the wider Hitachi group companies, Hitachi Rail is uniquely placed to further enhance its offer to customers through pioneering new digital solutions and services.
In FY22, Hitachi Rail had revenues of over €5bn. The company has around 15,000 employees in 38 countries, and it invests in its diverse and talented teams.
Hitachi Rail's business is local, but its reach is global. With deep roots in its communities, the company is committed to delivering sustainable progress for all.
