It's a bit earlier in the calendar than usual but the Mid-Norfolk Railway holds its Summer Diesel Gala and Beer Festival this weekend.

In a bid to take advantage of better weather and less clashes in the calendar the gala has been brought forward from its usual autumn date and starts on Friday and runs through until Sunday.

Locomotives are so far planned to include the 31235, as well as some engines new to the MNR - the 47367 and 47596. There will be the visiting 'Peak' 45133 and the railway's popular 'ED' 73210 – one of the few class 73s actually left in preservation.

The heritage railway volunteers are also pleased to announce that they have reached an initial agreement with Traditional Traction for 08511 to attend and work at the gala for all three days. The engine will work passenger trains over the weekend at Dereham.

Trains will also work over the section between Wymondham Abbey and the Network Rail boundary – a section not normally used for passenger work during the year.

The Beer Festival will be combined into the Diesel Gala.

There will be approximately 40 real ales on sale at the station, with bands set to entertain in the evening.

Check the website www.mnr.org.uk for a full list of bands and beers.

The Beer Festival will be free to enter, without the need to buy a train ticket.

The Intercity Brecklander restaurant car – something that is fast becoming a Mid-Norfolk classic – will also be in operation over the weekend serving its famous breakfasts in the morning and operating a bistro dining service in the evening.

Real ale will, as always, be available on the trains as well as at Dereham station.

Ticket prices have been reduced for the event. Adults costs £20 for one day rover, £30 for two days and £40 for all three days (£18, £28 and £38 for members, £10, £15 and £20 for children).