News

Visitors to Rail LIVE 2026 will have the opportunity to step on board a train and experience Porterbrook’s newly launched test track at the Long Marston Rail Innovation Centre.

Located at the home of Rail LIVE, the Long Marston Rail Innovation Centre is the only continuous rail testing loop in the UK. Across both days of the event, Porterbrook will be inviting visitors to take a special trip around the facility, offering a unique opportunity to see the site in action.

Passengers on board will complete two loops of the testing facility, accompanied by an exclusive audio tour from a special celebrity guest. Multiple departures will run throughout each day of Rail LIVE, giving visitors plenty of opportunities to get involved.

Tickets for the test track tours are free and will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis from the Porterbrook Ticket Office, located at E1. Trains will depart for the tour from Platform One.

Visitors interested in taking part are encouraged to visit E1 as early as possible on the day of their visit to secure a ticket. Once tickets are sold out, no further tickets will be available.

Porterbrook said:

“We’re looking forward to seeing everyone at our Long Marston Rail Innovation Centre again this year for Rail LIVE 2026. We’ve been very busy since last year completing the significant construction of our brand-new electrified testing loop, the only one in the UK, and we can’t wait to welcome visitors on board to experience it for themselves, and learn all about the exciting developments at the site.”

Rail LIVE 2026 takes place on 17–18 June at Porterbrook’s Long Marston Rail Innovation Centre.