Celebrating 25 years of the Hunter Valley SteamFest

A quarter of a century of locomotive appreciation will be celebrated at this year's Hunter Valley SteamFest at Maitland on 17th and 18th April.

This year's event will celebrate its 25th anniversary and huge crowds are expected to take in the exciting new program which includes a much anticipated race between a Tiger Moth airplane and a steam train.

NSW RailCorp Chief Executive Rob Mason said the success of past events was a testament to its volunteers.

Mason explained "reaching 25 years of SteamFest is a remarkable achievement and a credit to the thousands of dedicated staff, volunteers and committees who have devoted countless hours over the last 25 years to keep the region's proud steam and rail history alive through this great event.

"Credit should also go to the many local, regional, interstate and international visitors who have helped make Hunter Valley SteamFest the great event it is today.

"To celebrate this support, festival organisers are planning an expanded 25th anniversary program."

Mason said the program will include expanded rail journeys, new family based activities, the introduction of a themed journey of motive power through the ages on the SteamFest Rally Ground, and a staged area for an expanded entertainment program.

This year's Great Train Race will feature a world first with three vintage Tiger Moths airplanes racing the first parallel run of three steam locomotives in NSW.

Hunter Valley SteamFest would not be possible without the assistance of volunteers. Each year SteamFest (Maitland City Council) recruits approximately 100 volunteers for a number of different roles including: train monitoring, ticket and merchandise sales, general assistants, entertainment assistants and many more.

For more information go to http://www.steamfest.com.au

Image courtesy of Hunter Valley SteamFest.