The ILP North East Region would like to welcome you to the final technical event of the year.
In 1825, a railway journey changed the world forever. Locomotion No.1 became the first steam locomotive to haul a passenger-carrying train on a public railway - the Stockton and Darlington Railway.
Celebrating the 200 year anniversary of rail travel, Hopetown, Darlington is an award winning 7.5 acre visitor attraction where every building has a unique story to tell.
Visit North Road Station Museum, housed within an 1842 Victorian railway station, to discover Darlington's story of rail engineering ideas and invention. In the 1853 Carriage Works, you'll find the Exhibition Hall, featuring special exhibitions, and The Stores, where you can find over 30,000 railway heritage items on permanent display. In the brand new, purpose-built Darlington Locomotive Works (home to the A1 Steam Locomotive Trust), you'll have the chance to view live engineering in action. Partake in 'Experiment', a immersive ride through rail history from 1825 to present day and into the future.
Date: 14 May 2026
Venue: Hopetown Darlington, McNay Street, Darlington, DL3 6SW
Time: 4.30pm - 8.00pm
4.30pm - Arrival, with tea & coffee (for a 5.00pm start)
Networking
5.00pm-5.45pm - Curated Museum Tour - Hopetown Darlington
5.45pm-6.15pm - 'The Experiment' - time travel immersive ride
6.15pm - 6.45pm - Papers and hand over
James Duffin - Enerveo
- Presidential Address
Outgoing Chair - Paul Brownbridge - Stainton Lighting Design
Incoming Chair - Steve Edwards - Stainton Lighting Design
7.00pm - Buffet
8.00pm - Close