Steam trains, model railways, and song-writing guru Pete Waterman rolled into the town for the Swindon Railway Festival this weekend.
 
Crowds of railway enthusiasts descended on the STEAM museum for the annual event, this year themed around the Swindon 175 celebrations.
 
Visitors to the two-day event had the chance to peruse intricate model railways, learn more about the first GWR locomotive superintendent Daniel Gooch, and see a model version of the iconic "Seven Kings" photograph from 1930.
 
Music supremo Pete Waterman, who has penned mega-hits for Kylie and Rick Astley spent the day indulging in his other passion.
 
He opened the first Railway Festival 15-years-ago and is a patron of STEAM.
 
"I loved the railway industry ever since I was a boy. I love Swindon because it's where all my favourite engines were made," said Pete.
 
"Growing up, people had so much respect for railway engineers, they did such an incredible job, and we're enjoying ourselves today doing a bit of modelling."
 
The Swindon 175 area was organized by heritage steam engineer Colin Hatch, who lives in Wanborough.
 
Colin was also the man behind the building of the replica Swindon hooter which was heard every hour at the event.
 
He arranged for eight steam-powered road engines to attend the festival to allow visitors to get up close and personal with historic technology with strong local ties.
 
Several of the engines were formerly worked by Swindon-based showmen R. Edwards & Sons as well as Rushey Platt-based timber merchants, E.J. Barnes.
 
"I'm pleased with how the event is going, it's been especially busy despite the rain and that's always good to see. We have engines from 1915, 1923, and the oldest one which is from 1901," said Colin.
 
"It really is like stepping back in time to the sights, smells, and sounds of that time. The railways are a really important part of our heritage and it's good to see so many people interested in the machines."
 
Stephen Burgess from Ashton Keynes said the event was like a walk down memory lane.
 
"It's amazing being here today. The atmosphere is brilliant, it really does feel like you're back in the time of the railiways. The steam engines are very impressive too."
 
David Stride travelled all the way from Solihull to get a glimpse of the festival.
 
"I like railways, I always have, you get to have a look at history and times gone by. I'm always impressed with how varied the collections are here and I've been coming down here for years. The "Seven Kings" replica is pretty intricate and a delight to watch.".
 
Eve Buckland.