The Great Train Race Brings More Spectacles to Heidelberg to Celebrate its 10th Anniversary This Heritage Month

The Great Train Race, one of South Africa’s most unique heritage spectacles, returns to celebrate its monumental 10-year anniversary on Saturday, 27 September 2025 at the Heidelberg Railway Station in Gauteng. Here’s what you need to know.

The Great Train Race Credit James Atwell | What's on in Joburg — Image by James Atwell

What to look forward to at The Great Train Race’s 10th anniversary

More than 100 vintage cars, motorcycles, aircraft, and a majestic steam locomotive will take centre stage at the 10-year anniversary of the event, with a live-streamed re-enactment of the iconic 1930 race between Woolf Barnato’s Bentley Speed Six and Le Train Bleu being the main highlight. Audiences experience the rare thrill of seeing the battle between steam and combustion engine once again.

More event highlights include:

The ‘convergence’ moment — a choreographed spectacle where vintage cars, motorcycles, and aircraft race to meet the Rovos steam train on the platform with live commentary
Traditional drummers
Dedicated kids’ zone with crafts and mini steam rides
Artisanal markets
Food trucks
Live performances
Best-Dressed competition celebrating vintage flair

The entertainment line-up features Afrikaans pop star Bernice West, legendary favourites The Staccatos, and a full day of traditional performances.

Keeping history alive

Event founder and historian Christopher Van explains: “The Great Train Race is about more than machines, it’s about keeping history alive for the next generation. Every collector plays a part in preserving a piece of our motoring heritage.”

Event patron and co-owner of Paysure Brokers, Yuvi Jasti, says: “For us, the Great Train Race is about stories that connect people, the journeys our grandparents spoke about, the machines that defined an era, and the chance to relive that history today.”

Need to know before you go

In addition to with general entry tickets, The Great Train Race is also offering attendees the chance to elevate their experience with VIP packages.

For those seeking exclusivity, VIP packages include gourmet canapés, an open bar, private lounges, helicopter flips, vintage aircraft rides, chauffeur pick-ups, and premium viewing areas.

Extra experiences including helicopter flips and kids’ train trips can be booked at an additional price.

Cost: R250pp for adult general entry; R150pp for pensioners and teenagers’ general entry; free for kids aged 2 to 12; from R4500pp for VIP packages. Add-ons are from R40 to R650, and parking is available from R30 per vehicle | Book via tixsa