2025 Bi-centenary celebrations

Stockton & Darlington Railway 1825; The birthplace of the modern railway

On 27th September 1825, large crowds gathered to watch the opening of the Stockton & Darlington Railway. It was funded and backed by a group of businessmen including Edward Pease.

With train driver George Stephenson driving, Locomotion 1 moved forward and pulled 30 wagons. These carried coal and flour, workmen and guests. They included those who were lucky to ride in the passenger coach during an experiment.

Locomotion did not just pull one train. It managed to pull the whole world into the era of the railway age. The track went through Shildon, Darlington and Stockton.

It brought together the components of modern railway. The Stockton & Darlington Railway provided a model. Others would then take inspiration. It would then spread across the globe.

Bi-centenary celebrations

2025 will be the 200th year ceremony of this amazing occasion. It will offer an exciting time for the region to celebrate this world-changing event.

People from Darlington Borough Council, Stockton Borough Council and Durham County Council are working together for this event. They will work with workers from the National Railway Museum and the Friends of Darlington to Stockton Railway. 

We will keep this webpage up to date with developments in 2025 preparations and events in the run-up.